Raised from Obscurity: A Narratival and Theological Study of the Characterization of Women in Luke-Acts

An examination of the role of women in Luke-Acts, their significance in Luke's narrative of salvation, and the theology implicit in their portrayal.

Luke-Acts contains many and diverse female characters, many of whom play significant roles in the unfolding drama of God's plan of salvation through Jesus and the early church. Women followers of Jesus are fully-fledged disciples who prove to be reliable and insightful, participating in God's mission at all levels. They act as interpreters of salvation history, God's prophetic mouthpieces, witnesses to the resurrection, proclaimers and teachers of the gospel, and patrons and leaders of the early church. At the heart of this narratival exposure lies a particular theology of women. This narratival presentation and theology is rich and quite remarkable given the socio-religious climate in which Luke wrote. An appreciation of this 'narratival theology' is important, not only for a well-rounded understanding of Luke-Acts, but as a vital part of the variegated witness of the New Testament regarding the role of women in God's new community.

Greg W. Forbes is Professor of New Testament and Greek at Melbourne School of Theology in Australia. Scott D. Harrower is Assistant Professor of Theology and History at Ridley College, Melbourne in Australia.