The Appropriation of Passover in Luke-Acts

Abstract

Within Lukan scholarship, studies on the theme of Passover have mostly been confined to the pericope of the Last Supper (Luke 22:1–20). Few have ventured outside it and explored the presence, let alone the significance, of the theme in other passages throughout Luke-Acts. Thus, the aim of this study is to show where, how, and why Luke appropriates the theme of Passover in his writings. I propose that besides the passion narrative, allusions to Passover can be found in three other sets of passages: the infancy narrative, the Parousia discourses in Luke 12 and Luke 17, and the rescue stories of Peter (Acts 12) and Paul (Acts 27). My investigation shows that the theme of Passover plays a major role in how Luke structures his narratives. I also show that Luke associates Passover with Jesus’ passion, enabling him to convey the message of God’s salvation. The pairing of Passover and passion for explaining the salvation of God is not limited to the passion narrative. Instead, it is present in other Passover-related passages throughout Luke-Acts.

Using the foundational story of Passover in Exodus 12–13 as my point of departure, I begin my research with an analysis of references to Passover in early Jewish writings (Chapter 2). This chapter helps to set Luke within broader Jewish interpretive traditions. Next, I examine the Lukan text, beginning with the passion narrative (Chapter 3), where allusions to Passover are most concentrated and least disputed by scholars. This chapter prepares us to understand allusions to Passover in the infancy narrative (Chapter 4), two Parousia discourses (Chapter 5), and two particular rescue stories in Acts (Chapter 6). The final chapter synthesises all the findings (Chapter 7).