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    24th June 2024

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    Jeffery Ayembilla

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    24th June 2024

    Uploaded by

    Jeffery Ayembilla
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    © © All Rights Reserved

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    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
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    4 views4 pages

    24th June 2024

    Uploaded by

    Jeffery Ayembilla

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    of 4

    ASSEMBLIES OF GOD GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY

    READING REPORT ON KAISER’S BOOK THE PROMISE PLAN OF GOD (CHAPTER

    16; 317 – 332) AND LADD’S BOOK A THEOLOGY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT

    (CHAPTER 24-27, 38; 347-393, 576 – 594)

    A RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT SUBMITTED TO DR. ANDRÉA D. SNAVELY IN

    PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR BIB 502 NEW TESTAMENT

    GENRES AND ISSUES

    BY

    JEFFERY AYEMBILLA

    LOME, TOGO

    JUNE 2024
    2

    Summary of Kaiser’s Book: The promise Plan (Chapter 16; Pg 317-332)

    The book of Luke-Acts, written by Luke, is a two-part work that focuses on God's

    plan for humanity, Kaiser introduces. The first part, the Gospel of Luke, describes Jesus’

    ministry and teachings, while the second part, Acts, details the spread of Christianity after

    Jesus’ ascension. Kaiser affirms that a recurring theme throughout both parts is the Holy

    Spirit, who empowers believers and guides the course of events.

    Luke’s writings emphasize several key themes, such as, repentance, a change in heart

    and direction, and faith, complete trust in Jesus, are central to his message; and discipleship

    requires a full commitment to following Jesus, and comes at a cost of daily discipline.

    Importantly, Luke places special emphasis on those marginalized by society, portraying Jesus

    as reaching out to the poor, sinners, and even women in leadership roles. This reflects Jesus’

    message of salvation for all. Another key theme is the Kingdom of God, which Luke

    describes as both present in Jesus’ ministry and yet to be fully realized. The concept of the

    kingdom is linked to repentance, faith, and God’s transforming grace.

    Summary on Ladd’s Book; A Theology of the New Testament (Chapter 24-27, 38; Pg

    347-393, 576-594)

    Ladd discusses the book of Acts and the reliability of the speeches within it as a

    source for early church beliefs. According to Ladd, some argues that Luke, the author of

    Acts, was a reliable historian, while others view Acts as more of a theological work. The text

    concludes that the early chapters can be a reliable source. Again, Ladd focuses on the

    resurrection of Jesus. The author argues that the disciples’ belief in the resurrection is a

    historical fact and that Jesus’ resurrection was a real event, not just a theological concept.

    Furthermore, the book of Acts addresses the development of the early Church from a

    Jewish sect to a global religion accepting Gentiles. The turning point came with the

    conversion of Gentiles, leading to debates about following Jewish Law. The book of Acts
    3

    follows Paul’s missionary journeys, highlighting this shift from Jews to Gentiles. The last

    passage by Ladd discusses the form and organization of the early Church. Churches were

    made up of believers scattered throughout the Roman world, with leadership provided by

    elders and bishops. The emphasis was on the unity of the Christian body rather than a rigid

    structure.

    Kaiser and Ladd on the Book of Acts and the Early Church

    While both Kaiser and Ladd delve into the book of Acts and the early church, their

    approaches and areas of emphasis differ.

    Kaiser's Theological Lens

    Kaiser examines Luke-Acts through a theological lens, highlighting recurring themes

    that illuminate God's grand plan. He emphasizes how Acts portrays the outpouring of the

    Holy Spirit as the fulfillment of the promise made in the Old Testament. This emphasis on

    the Holy Spirit extends throughout the book, showcasing the Spirit's role in empowering

    believers and guiding the course of events. Kaiser also observes a geographical progression in

    Acts, where the spread of Christianity unfolds systematically, starting in Jerusalem and Judea

    before moving outward to encompass the entire world. Notably, Kaiser sheds light on Luke's

    compassion for the marginalized. By portraying Jesus reaching out to the poor, sinners, and

    even women in leadership roles, Kaiser argues that Luke emphasizes the universality of

    Jesus' message of salvation.

    Ladd's Historical Focus

    Ladd, on the other hand, adopts a more historical approach to Acts and the early

    church. He grapples with the question of Acts' reliability as a source for early church beliefs,

    acknowledging the ongoing debate about whether Luke, the author, was a meticulous

    historian or a theologian shaping the narrative. Ladd also tackles the historicity of the

    resurrection, arguing that the disciples' unwavering belief in Jesus' resurrection is a historical
    4

    fact. Shifting his focus to the development of the early church, Ladd traces its transformation

    from a Jewish sect centered in Jerusalem to a global religion embracing Gentiles. This

    transformation, as depicted in Acts, led to debates about the necessity of following Jewish

    Law for Gentile converts. Finally, Ladd examines the structure of the early church as

    revealed in Acts, highlighting its loose organization with leadership provided by elders and

    bishops, and emphasizing the overall unity of the Christian body over rigid structures.

    Common Ground

    While Kaiser analyses the theological threads woven throughout Acts, and Ladd

    dissects its historical reliability, both scholars converge on the book's importance for

    comprehending the early church. This shared ground extends to the Holy Spirit, a vital

    presence in their perspectives. Kaiser highlights the Spirit's role in fulfilling God's plan, while

    Ladd emphasizes its empowerment of believers. Ultimately, both agree that the Holy Spirit

    serves as a central force guiding and propelling the early church forward.

    Conclusion

    Despite approaching the book of Acts from distinct angles, Kaiser, a theologian, and

    Ladd, a historian, find significant common ground. While Kaiser delves into the theological

    themes that illuminate God's overarching plan, Ladd meticulously examines the historical

    underpinnings of the text. This complementary analysis enriches our understanding of Acts.

    Furthermore, both scholars recognize the centrality of the Holy Spirit in the life and mission

    of the early church. Kaiser views the Spirit as the fulfillment of God's promise and the

    guiding force behind events, while Ladd emphasizes the Spirit's role in empowering

    believers. Ultimately, their convergence on the importance of the Holy Spirit underscores this

    force as a driving engine of the early church's growth and development.

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