Does the New Testament Imitate Homer?

Four Cases from the Acts of the Apostles

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Bible & Bible Studies, New Testament, Criticism & Interpretation
Cover of the book Does the New Testament Imitate Homer? by Professor Dennis R. MacDonald, Yale University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Professor Dennis R. MacDonald ISBN: 9780300129892
Publisher: Yale University Press Publication: October 1, 2008
Imprint: Yale University Press Language: English
Author: Professor Dennis R. MacDonald
ISBN: 9780300129892
Publisher: Yale University Press
Publication: October 1, 2008
Imprint: Yale University Press
Language: English

In this provocative challenge to prevailing views of New Testament sources, Dennis R. MacDonald argues that the origins of passages in the book of Acts are to be found not in early Christian legends but in the epics of Homer. MacDonald focuses on four passages in the book of Acts, examines their potential parallels in the Iliad, and concludes that the author of Acts composed them using famous scenes in Homer’s work as a model.
Tracing the influence of passages from the Iliad on subsequent ancient literature, MacDonald shows how the story generated a vibrant, mimetic literary tradition long before Luke composed the Acts. Luke could have expected educated readers to recognize his transformation of these tales and to see that the Christian God and heroes were superior to Homeric gods and heroes. Building upon and extending the analytic methods of his earlier book, The Homeric Epics and the Gospel of Mark, MacDonald opens an original and promising appreciation not only of Acts but also of the composition of early Christian narrative in general.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In this provocative challenge to prevailing views of New Testament sources, Dennis R. MacDonald argues that the origins of passages in the book of Acts are to be found not in early Christian legends but in the epics of Homer. MacDonald focuses on four passages in the book of Acts, examines their potential parallels in the Iliad, and concludes that the author of Acts composed them using famous scenes in Homer’s work as a model.
Tracing the influence of passages from the Iliad on subsequent ancient literature, MacDonald shows how the story generated a vibrant, mimetic literary tradition long before Luke composed the Acts. Luke could have expected educated readers to recognize his transformation of these tales and to see that the Christian God and heroes were superior to Homeric gods and heroes. Building upon and extending the analytic methods of his earlier book, The Homeric Epics and the Gospel of Mark, MacDonald opens an original and promising appreciation not only of Acts but also of the composition of early Christian narrative in general.

More books from Yale University Press

Cover of the book Remedy and Reaction by Professor Dennis R. MacDonald
Cover of the book Spy Capitalism by Professor Dennis R. MacDonald
Cover of the book Henry IV by Professor Dennis R. MacDonald
Cover of the book Dreams of Peace and Freedom by Professor Dennis R. MacDonald
Cover of the book Spare the Birds! by Professor Dennis R. MacDonald
Cover of the book Big and Small by Professor Dennis R. MacDonald
Cover of the book True Friendship: Geoffrey Hill, Anthony Hecht, and Robert Lowell Under the Sign of Eliot and Pound by Professor Dennis R. MacDonald
Cover of the book Liberty in the Things of God by Professor Dennis R. MacDonald
Cover of the book Analytics, Policy, and Governance by Professor Dennis R. MacDonald
Cover of the book What Really Happened in the Garden of Eden? by Professor Dennis R. MacDonald
Cover of the book Islamism and Islam by Professor Dennis R. MacDonald
Cover of the book How to Change the World: Reflections on Marx and Marxism by Professor Dennis R. MacDonald
Cover of the book Hamas by Professor Dennis R. MacDonald
Cover of the book 1948: A History of the First Arab-Israeli War by Professor Dennis R. MacDonald
Cover of the book The World's Oldest Church by Professor Dennis R. MacDonald
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy