History with a Slice of Gospel

If we are attuned to the currents of controversy that spark life into Luke’s narrative, it will be evident in this section that the masterful writer is building up to something monumental. He’s about to let off some authorial steam, particularly in v44-47, and doesn’t want to waste his opportunity. There is an almost Tolkien-like layer of tension building as Paul gives the gospel to his Jewish brothers and sisters. The fact that he seems to succeed serves only to heighten the severity of the bump we feel at the let down of v45.

In the meantime, Paul takes the opportunity to give a Jewish history lesson, raising consistent themes of God’s sovereign kindness. “He chose” (v17), “He destroyed” (v19), “He distributed”, “He gave” (v20), “He raised up” (v22). In fact, when Israel’s history is properly considered – weighing up this, considering that, and standing back with an objective “hmmm” expression – there isn’t anything God didn’t do.

What is interesting, in terms of language choice, is Luke’s juxtaposition of Paul “motioning with his hand” (v16) and God delivering Israel “with an uplifted arm” (v17). The uplifted arm, remember, was seen in Moses holding out his rod over the Red Sea. The two actions must have looked similar, and this indicates the metaphor being teased out in this section. Paul, a second Moses, is attempting to lead his people on a second Exodus. Using the gospel as his rod, he stretches it out over the sea of people and hopes to see dry ground.

And for the moment, as mentioned, he seems to be successful. The people are all ears (and no mouth, for a change). They are happy to hear their own proud history repeated, even if Jesus is attached to it. So long as Gentiles are excluded, they are content.

Cue the anthemic music, undercut by some uneasy tones. This isn’t all rainbows and sunshine, as the text will later reveal.