Case Studies of Selected Passages

Introduction

Throughout Luke–Acts, the theological themes of mission, Spirit, and kingdom take shape in concrete events, encounters, and teachings. While broad thematic analysis provides a framework, the richness of these writings emerges most vividly in individual passages. By examining selected case studies, we can see how Luke’s theological vision unfolds in narrative detail and how these texts continue to instruct and challenge the church today.

In this chapter, we will analyze five key passages from Luke–Acts: (1) the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37), (2) the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1–10), (3) the Emmaus road narrative (Luke 24:13–35), (4) the Pentecost account (Acts 2:1–41), and (5) the council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:1–35). Each case illuminates different facets of mission, Spirit, and kingdom, while together they form a mosaic of Luke’s theological vision.

Part 1: The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37)

1. Context

The parable of the Good Samaritan arises in a dialogue with a lawyer who asks Jesus: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus points him to the law’s summary: love of God and neighbor. Seeking to justify himself, the lawyer asks: “And who is my neighbor?”

2. Narrative Analysis

Jesus tells of a man beaten and left half-dead. A priest and Levite pass by, but a Samaritan — despised by Jews — stops, tends his wounds, and pays for his care. Jesus concludes: “Which of these three was a neighbor?” The lawyer answers, “The one who showed mercy.” Jesus commands: “Go and do likewise.”

3. Theological Themes

• Kingdom Ethics: Neighbor love transcends boundaries of ethnicity and religion.

• Mission: True discipleship manifests in concrete acts of mercy.

• Spirit and Transformation: The Samaritan’s compassion reflects the Spirit’s work in breaking down barriers.

4. Contemporary Implications

The parable challenges the church to embody inclusive compassion, crossing cultural, racial, and social lines.

Part 2: Zacchaeus the Tax Collector (Luke 19:1–10)

1. Context

Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector in Jericho, is wealthy and despised as a collaborator with Rome. Curious about Jesus, he climbs a sycamore tree to see him.

2. Narrative Analysis

Jesus calls him by name, invites himself to his house, and declares salvation has come to his household. Zacchaeus responds with repentance, offering restitution and generosity.

3. Theological Themes

• Mission to the Marginalized: Jesus seeks the lost, including social outcasts.

• Kingdom Reversal: Wealth, often an obstacle, becomes an instrument of justice and mercy.

• Spirit Transformation: Zacchaeus’ radical change reflects Spirit-empowered repentance.

4. Contemporary Implications

The story calls believers to embrace those whom society excludes and to demonstrate conversion through economic justice and generosity.

Part 3: The Emmaus Road (Luke 24:13–35)

1. Context

After the crucifixion, two disciples walk to Emmaus, discouraged. A stranger joins them — the risen Jesus — but they do not recognize him.

2. Narrative Analysis

Jesus explains Scripture, showing how the Messiah had to suffer and enter glory. At table, he breaks bread, and their eyes are opened. They return to Jerusalem, proclaiming: “The Lord has risen indeed!”

3. Theological Themes

• Resurrection Hope: The risen Christ transforms despair into joy.

• Scripture and Christ: Jesus interprets Scripture as pointing to his suffering and glory.

• Eucharistic Encounter: Recognition comes in the breaking of bread.

• Mission: The disciples immediately become witnesses.

4. Contemporary Implications

The Emmaus story highlights the centrality of Scripture, sacrament, and witness in Christian life.

Part 4: Pentecost (Acts 2:1–41)

1. Context

At Pentecost, Jews from many nations gather in Jerusalem. The disciples are together when the Spirit descends as wind and fire, enabling them to speak in many tongues.

2. Narrative Analysis

Peter preaches, interpreting the event as fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy and proclaiming Jesus’ death and resurrection. The crowd is “cut to the heart,” and about 3,000 are baptized.

3. Theological Themes

• Spirit Empowerment: The Spirit enables bold witness and diverse speech.

• Mission Expansion: The Gospel is proclaimed to all nations.

• Kingdom Inauguration: The Spirit’s outpouring marks the dawn of eschatological salvation.

4. Contemporary Implications

Pentecost emphasizes the Spirit’s role in empowering mission, crossing linguistic and cultural boundaries, and birthing the church as a missional community.

Part 5: The Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:1–35)

1. Context

As Gentiles join the church, controversy arises: must they be circumcised and keep the law? The apostles and elders gather in Jerusalem to decide.

2. Narrative Analysis

Peter testifies that God gave the Spirit to Gentiles without distinction. James cites Amos, affirming Gentile inclusion. The council decides not to impose circumcision but only minimal requirements.

3. Theological Themes

• Mission and Inclusion: The church embraces Gentiles without demanding law observance.

• Spirit’s Guidance: Decisions are attributed to the Spirit’s leading (15:28).

• Kingdom Diversity: Unity is preserved amid cultural difference.

4. Contemporary Implications

The council models discernment, dialogue, and Spirit-led inclusivity in resolving conflicts.

Part 6: Theological Reflections

Together, these passages highlight Luke’s integrated vision:

• Mission: Good Samaritan, Zacchaeus, Pentecost — all show the outward movement of God’s love.

• Spirit: Emmaus and Pentecost highlight the Spirit’s transformative presence.

• Kingdom: All five passages reveal kingdom values of mercy, justice, inclusion, and resurrection hope.

These case studies show how Luke–Acts grounds theology in lived experience, narrative encounter, and communal discernment.

Part 7: Implications for the Church Today

1. Mercy Beyond Boundaries: The Good Samaritan challenges prejudices and calls to radical compassion.

2. Conversion and Justice: Zacchaeus reminds us that true repentance has social and economic dimensions.

3. Word and Table: Emmaus underscores Scripture and sacrament as means of encountering the risen Christ.

4. Spirit-Empowered Mission: Pentecost demonstrates the Spirit’s role in global, boundary-crossing witness.

5. Unity in Diversity: The Jerusalem Council models Spirit-guided dialogue amid conflict.

Suggested Assignments

1. Exegetical Study

   • Analyze Luke 10:25–37 in historical and literary context. Write a 3,500-word essay on its implications for kingdom ethics.

2. Comparative Essay

   • Compare the conversion of Zacchaeus (Luke 19) with Cornelius (Acts 10). Write a 3,000-word paper on the inclusion of outsiders.

3. Theological Reflection

   • Write a 2,500-word essay on the Emmaus narrative as a paradigm for encountering the risen Christ in Word and sacrament.

4. Theme Study

   • Trace references to the Spirit in Acts 2 and Acts 15. Write a 2,500-word essay on the Spirit’s role in mission and discernment.

5. Creative Assignment

   • Write a 1,500-word narrative imagining you were present at the Jerusalem Council. How would you experience the debate and decision?

References

Barrett, C. K. (1994). A critical and exegetical commentary on the Acts of the Apostles (Vols. 1–2). T&T Clark.
Bock, D. L. (1994). Luke (BECNT). Baker Academic.
Bruce, F. F. (1988). The Book of Acts (NICNT). Eerdmans.
Green, J. B. (1997). The Gospel of Luke. Eerdmans.
Johnson, L. T. (1992). The Acts of the Apostles. Sacra Pagina. Liturgical Press.
Keener, C. S. (2012–2015). Acts: An exegetical commentary (Vols. 1–4). Baker Academic.
Marshall, I. H. (1978). The Gospel of Luke. Eerdmans.
Parsons, M. C. (2008). Acts. Paideia Commentary. Baker Academic.
Witherington, B. (1998). The Acts of the Apostles: A socio-rhetorical commentary. Eerdmans.
Wright, N. T. (2012). How God became king: The forgotten story of the Gospels. HarperOne.