The concept of Herem is found throughout the Old Testament and presented a problem to the Second Temple Jewish authors. In introducing the concept to their audiences and in applying it to themselves and other nations, they avoided it by reducing or expanding, omitting or changing the concept of Herem. Much evidence in Luke-Acts, however, indicates that Luke deliberately uses the concept of Herem in order to present the life and teaching of Jesus and his disciples. Jesus death on the cross, resurrection and ascension can be seen as Herem, that redeems Gods people. The disciples thoughts and actions in Acts as well as all the Christ event are based on Jesus teaching, such as Luke 9:24 and 20:25.Ultimately, this study suggests that readers of Luke-Acts should consider the whole Old Testament so as to understand Lukan use of the Old Testament and its attitude to the Mosaic law. Moreover, this study shows that the ethics of Luke-Acts are not limited to sharing possessions but related to offering or giving what belongs to oneself, even life, without expecting any reciprocal advantage.Furthermore, the concept of Herem detected in Luke-Acts makes it possible to argue that there is an atonement theology in Lukan writings.

The concept of Herem is found throughout the Old Testament and presented a problem to the Second Temple Jewish authors. In introducing the concept to their audiences and in applying it to themselves and other nations, they avoided it by reducing or expanding, omitting or changing the concept of Herem. Much evidence in Luke-Acts, however, indicates that Luke deliberately uses the concept of Herem in order to present the life and teaching of Jesus and his disciples. Jesus'' death on the cross, resurrection and ascension can be seen as Herem, that redeems God''s people. The disciples'' thoughts and actions in Acts as well as all the Christ event are based on Jesus'' teaching, such as Luke 9:24 and 20:25.Ultimately, this study suggests that readers of Luke-Acts should consider the whole Old Testament so as to understand Lukan use of the Old Testament and its attitude to the Mosaic law. Moreover, this study shows that the ethics of Luke-Acts are not limited to sharing possessions but related to offering or giving what belongs to oneself, even life, without expecting any reciprocal advantage. Furthermore, the concept of Herem detected in Luke-Acts makes it possible to argue that there is an ''atonement theology'' in Lukan writings.

This book is one of the many commentaries on the book of Acts. In other words, it does not deal with a unique topic but one that borders on banality, yet of utmost importance. Without doubt, it will suffice its role of moving one step closer to a complete understanding of the complex picture that Luke drew. This commentary has been written by two Asian scholars with different theological backgrounds and thus will provide an unprecedented perspective. This commentary pays attention to the historical background and to the narrative, theological, and rhetorical texture of the text in Acts. In particular, the periodical essays at the end of sections or chapters--"e;Fusing the Horizons"e;--reflect on what the text means for the new covenant community in terms of its theological message, application, and community and spiritual formation. This is one of the many notable characteristics of this commentary. Moreover, this is an approachable and readable commentary by anyone who is interested in Acts.

The concept of Herem is found throughout the Old Testament and presented a problem to the Second Temple Jewish authors. In introducing the concept to their audiences and in applying it to themselves and other nations, they avoided it by reducing or expanding, omitting or changing the concept of Herem. Much evidence in Luke-Acts, however, indicates that Luke deliberately uses the concept of Herem in order to present the life and teaching of Jesus and his disciples. Jesus death on the cross, resurrection and ascension can be seen as Herem, that redeems Gods people. The disciples thoughts and actions in Acts as well as all the Christ event are based on Jesus teaching, such as Luke 9:24 and 20:25.Ultimately, this study suggests that readers of Luke-Acts should consider the whole Old Testament so as to understand Lukan use of the Old Testament and its attitude to the Mosaic law. Moreover, this study shows that the ethics of Luke-Acts are not limited to sharing possessions but related to offering or giving what belongs to oneself, even life, without expecting any reciprocal advantage.Furthermore, the concept of Herem detected in Luke-Acts makes it possible to argue that there is an atonement theology in Lukan writings.

The concept of Herem is found throughout the Old Testament and presented a problem to the Second Temple Jewish authors. In introducing the concept to their audiences and in applying it to themselves and other nations, they avoided it by reducing or expanding, omitting or changing the concept of Herem. Much evidence in Luke-Acts, however, indicates that Luke deliberately uses the concept of Herem in order to present the life and teaching of Jesus and his disciples. Jesus'' death on the cross, resurrection and ascension can be seen as Herem, that redeems God''s people. The disciples'' thoughts and actions in Acts as well as all the Christ event are based on Jesus'' teaching, such as Luke 9:24 and 20:25.Ultimately, this study suggests that readers of Luke-Acts should consider the whole Old Testament so as to understand Lukan use of the Old Testament and its attitude to the Mosaic law. Moreover, this study shows that the ethics of Luke-Acts are not limited to sharing possessions but related to offering or giving what belongs to oneself, even life, without expecting any reciprocal advantage. Furthermore, the concept of Herem detected in Luke-Acts makes it possible to argue that there is an ''atonement theology'' in Lukan writings.

This book is one of the many commentaries on the book of Acts. In other words, it does not deal with a unique topic but one that borders on banality, yet of utmost importance. Without doubt, it will suffice its role of moving one step closer to a complete understanding of the complex picture that Luke drew. This commentary has been written by two Asian scholars with different theological backgrounds and thus will provide an unprecedented perspective. This commentary pays attention to the historical background and to the narrative, theological, and rhetorical texture of the text in Acts. In particular, the periodical essays at the end of sections or chapters--"e;Fusing the Horizons"e;--reflect on what the text means for the new covenant community in terms of its theological message, application, and community and spiritual formation. This is one of the many notable characteristics of this commentary. Moreover, this is an approachable and readable commentary by anyone who is interested in Acts.