Behold, Your House Is Left to You

This book explores the place of Jerusalem and its Temple in Luke's Gospel, paying attention both to the Third Gospel's narrative and theological dynamics and to the historical and rhetorical milieu in which Luke composed his narrative. It argues for a portrait of the Jerusalem Temple in Luke's Gospel that is complex, multifold, and coherent, one comprised of interwoven strands constituting an engaging and intertextual response to the pressing theological concerns of the Evangelist's day. ""The Lukan Gospel links the good news of Jesus Christ to the deity of the Jews. But that deity's temple had been destroyed by Roman forces. How could good news be linked to the deity whose reputation was in tatters? Peter Rice deftly examines the narrative strategies employed in the Lukan Gospel to address a theological conundrum at the forefront of Christian proclamation in the Roman world. This is a fine, nuanced, and welcome study."" --Bruce W. Longenecker, W. W. Melton Chair of Religion, Baylor University ""Peter Rice presents a coherent and compelling reading of the role and function of the Jerusalem Temple in Luke's Gospel. Rice locates the Temple's function within Luke's overall argument and the larger discussion of ancient theodicy. Could a faithful God allow the Temple and city to suffer? According to Rice, Luke responds with a 'resounding, if doleful, yes.' Serious students of Lukan rhetoric and theology will need to put this book on their must-read list!"" --Mikeal C. Parsons, Professor and Macon Chair in Religion, Baylor University Peter H. Rice is Assistant Professor of New Testament at Harding University.