(NT3) Fulfillment in Luke-Acts
(NT3) Fulfillment in Luke-Acts
(NT3) Fulfillment in Luke-Acts
Dani T. (NT3)
SUMMARY
The theme of fulfilment appears to be very important in Luke-Acts, with Lk 1:1
establishing that his account is to be one which describes all that has been
‘fulfilled among us’. Likewise the first verses of Acts are loaded with the
fulfilment of the promises of God. However, Luke’s language of fulfilment is
less explicit that Matthew’s fulfilment formulae. He also uses far fewer direct
quotations from the Old Testament. As such, some scholars (and particularly
redaction critics) have claimed that it is a mistake to suppose he has much
interest in fulfilment. This is an incorrect assertion, and an examination of the
text shows that Luke is very concerned to present Jesus as the continuation,
and fulfilment, of biblical salvation history. He does this in a number of ways;
by extensive use of OT typology and allusion; by using his characters (rather
than the narrator) to convey the fulfilment theme; through the speeches of
Peter, Stephen and Paul.
Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets
and the Psalms– Luke 24:44
Linguistic Analysis
- plhroforew
- pimplhmi
• Lk 21:22 fulfilling of Scripture
• All other references filling with Holy Spirit, jealousy, anger etc
- Does this mean that the OT and its fulfilment is not important for Luke?
o No! Luke uses OT in figural correspondence, or types (see below)
Main usage is to develop his Christology
o Ennunciation of John
- Ends Elizabeth’s disgrace Is 56
o Birth of John
- Yahweh acting faithfully to redeem his people (obvious
OT fulfilment)
- John the Baptist is thus cast as the Samuel to go before
the Messiah. Ps 103, 106, 107 are quoted.
o Birth of Jesus
- First born son
- Shepherds had important tole in Israel’s past
- Witness Language idea of certainity
Other OT Typology/Categories
- Baptism (3:22)
o Your are my son the beloved, with you I am well pleased
o Seems to be combo of Ps 2:7 and Is 42:1
Combining hopes for Messiah with Servant of Israel
- Transfiguration
o Similar to baptism but with added expectation of Jesus being the
great prophet of Dt 18
- Passion Narratives
o Lk 22:37 quotes Is 53:12 Jesus is Servant of Is 40 ff
Only gospel to do so explicitly
Climax of what was intro’d in infancy narratives