Introduction

This chapter discusses the history of interpretation of Luke-Acts as it concerns Luke’s relationship to Judaism. The chapter critically assesses common opinions held in New Testament scholarship regarding the concepts of salvation, eschatology, Christian universalism, Jewish particularism, and nationalism. This critical evaluation of scholarship and key concepts lays the foundation for the rest of the investigation, proposing that Luke’s understanding of the eschatological restoration of Israel can be effectively understood in light of Jewish concepts from Luke’s time. In many ways, Luke’s eschatology corresponds to traditional Jewish expectations. The restoration of Israel remains at the center of Luke’s eschatological universe even if it expands to include the nations of the world.