The Law and the Gentiles in Acts 15 Divine Authority in Scripture

“While not a comprehensive examination of the theme of the Law in Luke-Acts, this detailed study ranges well beyond Acts 15 and nuances the discussion of Luke’s understanding of the Law far more than its scholarly predecessors did. Chen is not ensnared by the trend over the past generation to make Luke ever more conservative with respect to the Law but recognizes its fundamental role as witness to Christ. Nevertheless, secure in its fulfillment in this fashion, Luke is not embarrassed by showing the first followers of Jesus as law-obedient when it is their natural custom. But he is clear that it never has any salvific value. A very erudite study that should supersede the more one-sided perspectives of other recent monographs on the topic.” —Craig L. Blomberg, Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Denver Seminary
“Dr. Chen has accomplished the almost impossible task of moving beyond the myriad of contemporary studies on Luke’s view of the Law in providing a succinct and fresh reading of Acts 15. Instead of merely assuming the unity of Luke-Acts, Chen demonstrates how the discussion of the role and use of the Law in Acts draws from the precise content and formulations of relevant pericopae found in the Gospel of Luke. Chen provides a compelling thesis that deserves careful study and evaluation.”
—David W. Pao, Professor of New Testament and Chair of the New Testament Department, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Illinois
“Dr. Chen’s study is a welcome and helpful addition to the debate over the Lukan understanding of the Law. She makes an important contribution in linking the debate over Gentile law-keeping in Acts 15 to the words of the Lukan Jesus and locating Luke’s theology of the Law in the authority of the risen Lord.” —Mark Seifrid, Professor of Exegetical Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis