Description
Book SynopsisHidden Criticism of the Angry Tyrant in Early Judaism and the Acts of the Apostles adds to the current literature of imperial-critical New Testament readings with an examination of Luke’s hidden criticism of imperial Rome in the Acts of the Apostles and in Paul’s speech on the Areopagus in Acts 17. Focusing on discursive resistance in the Hellenistic world, Strait examines the relationship between hidden criticism and persuasion and between subordinates and the powerful, and he explores the challenge to the dissident voice to communicate criticism while under surveillance. Strait argues that Luke confronts the idolatrous power and iconic spectacle of gods and kings with the Gospel of the Lord of all—a worldview that is incompatible with the religions of Rome, including emperor worship.
Trade ReviewThis book provides a very sophisticated and fresh reading of Paul’s famous Areopagus speech. Strait excels in displaying his easy command of a broad array of sources, including the epigraphic habit, but also gives due weight to Philo and the Wisdom of Solomon with their icon parodies and idol satires. The ancient rhetorical device of figured speech is used as an analytical tool to good effect throughout. Thus a thick web of allusions is created for Acts 17 that allows us to read this speech as subtle criticism of the dominating political ideology of the day. An important book and a must read, not only for Lukan scholars. -- Hans-Josef Klauck, University of Chicago
Table of ContentsChapter One—The Acts of the Apostles and Empire Part I: Objects of Resistance Chapter Two—Profiling Power: Divine Honors and Kingship Literature Chapter Three—Hybrid Divine Honors in the Epigraphic Record Part II: Strategies of Resistance Chapter Four—Jewish Discursive Resistance Chapter Five—The First Commandment and Hellenistic Monarchy Chapter Six—The Second Commandment and Hellenistic Monarchy Chapter Seven—The Wisdom of Solomon and Empire Part III: Discursive Resistance and the Acts of the Apostles Chapter Eight—The Politics of Luke: Acts and the Cosmology of Empire Chapter Nine—The Areopagus Speech and Political Idolatry Chapter Ten—The Areopagus Speech as Resistance Literature?
