7. Luke-Acts

Abstract

These two volumes on Acts are part of the New Covenant Commentary Series (NCCS), which are designed for ministers and students and represent an international cast of contributors. These two volumes are by two Korean scholars from different theological backgrounds. Both volumes follow a similar structure. First, the authors offer their explanation of the text but not in the typical verse-by-verse commentary style. The authors demonstrate a more general and diverse approach, analysing key themes and ideas, covering major events happening in Acts, sometimes focusing on certain passages, phrases and words to make specific points. They engage with many Western scholars and major academic publications and journals. Second, the authors provide occasional reflections on how the text impacts and shapes the identity and mission of the church today. The character and content of these reflections differ. Cho’s reflections in the first volume are about divine–human encounter. They carry spiritual implications, for example, about being filled with the divine power (p. 72), miraculous intervention of God in human affairs (p. 83), on God’s divine grace at work (p. 121), suffering and being obedient to the Spirit (p. 168). Park reflects in the second volume on the sense of the community, for example, the Church’s growth and development (p. 12), its unity and encouragement (p. 54), inclusiveness and absoluteness (p. 100), on the community being adjustable, vision-oriented, prayerful, etc. The first volume is preceded by an introduction that deals with typical preliminary matters. Both volumes engage with various historical, theological and compositional questions in relation to Acts, although they are not systematic or comprehensive. They are easy to follow and will be accessible to a variety of readers. I think that application sections will be of special interests to practitioners and to a wider audience in general.