In this widely-acclaimed study, Dr Esler makes extensive use of sociology and anthropology to examine the author of Luke Acts' theology as a response to social and political pressures upon the Christian community for whom he was writing. As well as interesting those concerned with recent developments in New Testament scholarship, Esler's book offers a New Testament paradigm for those interested in generating a theology attuned to the social and political realities affecting contemporary Christian congregations.

Contents
Acknowledgements; List of abbreviations; 1. The socio-redaction criticism of Luke-Acts; 2. The community; 3. Sectarian strategies; 4. Table-fellowship; 5. The law; 6. The Temple; 7. The poor and the rich; 8. Rome and the ancestral theme; Epilogue: community and Gospel; Notes; Index of biblical references; Index of secondary authors