| The purpose of this dissertation is to reevaluate the image of Paul in Acts. This study differs from previous studies in both focus and methodology. Previous studies have focused on the historical and theological relationships between the Lucan Paul and the historical Paul, but this study attempts to read the Lucan Paul in and of itself. Previous studies have examined the Lucan Paul through historical-critical methodologies (i.e., source criticism, form criticism, and redaction criticism); but, to date, there has been no extensive narrative-critical analysis of the image of Paul in Acts. Because narratology was developed for and by the study of modern fiction, it must be modified for the study of Acts. Therefore, sociological studies of first-century Mediterranean culture are factored into the methodology.;The Lucan Paul is more than a plot functionary, but he has, of course, a plot function. Acts has both a chronological and a characterological plot. The spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of earth is the controlling plot line. But within this framework, there is an interest in presenting and defending the gospel itself. Paul is the primary person through whom the gospel is carried to the nations, and Paul is also the primary person through whom Acts defines and defends Christianity.;The Lucan Paul is both idealized and individualized. Paul is idealized through the use of consistent and redundant traits. Paul is portrayed as a divinely-chosen instrument; he is a bold and powerful witness; he is a dedicated pastoral missionary; and he is faithful under persecution. These paradigmatic traits are juxtaposed with personalizing traits. Paul is "individualized" through his personal and theological struggle with Jew/Gentile issues, through his relationships with coworkers, and through his relationship with the Jerusalem church. |
