| ISBN: | 9781839738470 |
|---|---|
| Imprint: | Langham Academic |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Dimensions (mm): | 229 x 152 x 12 |
| Publication Date: | 31/03/2024 |
| Pages: | 220 |
| Series: | Studies in New Testament |
| Language: | English |
The Characterization of Peter’s Leadership and Ethics in Acts 1–12, 15
Echoes of the Mebaqqer at Qumran
£19.99
The world is in desperate need of trustworthy leaders – men and women of character, who demonstrate honesty, humility, courage, and compassion. Such leaders are crucial to the success and stability of governments, corporate bodies, institutions, and faith communities. In this study, Dr. Benea Alukwe explores the principles at work in Peter’s leadership of the early church as it transformed from a frightened group of secret disciples into an indestructible force with world-changing potential. Examining the depiction of Peter’s character in Acts 1–12 and 15, he demonstrates the parallels between Peter’s leadership values and those practiced by the Qumran community as recorded in the Damascus Document. The ethical foundation depicted in both texts offers a powerful counter-cultural narrative of leadership capable of revitalizing nations, societies, and the church itself.
Endorsements
Characterization is a popular way to understand how biblical figures are set forth by the various authors. What is often lacking in these studies is a sense of historical appropriateness. Dr. Alukwe manages to do both in his study on the apostle Peter in Acts, and by doing so furthers our knowledge of both Acts and the Damascus Document of the Qumran community. This study can be applied as a biblical model of how to lead and serve well by simply noting how Peter fulfilled his apostleship.
Dirk Jongkind, PhD
Academic Vice Principal,
Tyndale House, Cambridge, UK
In this fresh and interesting study, Dr. Alukwe carefully examines Acts and the Dead Sea Scrolls, as well as other ancient writers’ discussion of the Essenes, and offers a thoughtful and nuanced comparison which highlights key similarities in the style and manner of leadership by Peter and the Mebaqqer, as well as significant differences that shine fresh light on the distinctives of the two communities. This is a book which will benefit scholars and students of Acts, the early Christians, and the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Steve Walton, PhD
Senior Research Fellow in New Testament,
Trinity College, Bristol, UK
Table of Contents
- Acknowledgments
- Abstract
- Abbreviations
- Chapter 1 Introduction
- 1.1. The Statement of the Problem
- 1.2. A Survey of Previous Scholarship on the Apostle Peter
- 1.3. Peter in Luke
- 1.4. Peter in the New Testament
- 1.5. Survey of Qumran Scrolls and New Testament
- 1.6. Methodological Considerations
- 1.7. A Proposal
- 1.8. Conclusion
- Chapter 2 Methodology
- 2.1. Introduction
- 2.2. Literary Lenses
- 2.3. Narrative Criticism
- 2.4. Approaching Acts as a Literary Work
- 2.5. Conclusion
- Chapter 3 The Qumran Community
- 3.1. Introduction
- 3.2. Previous Scholarship
- 3.3. New Covenant
- 3.4. Qumran and Early Christianity
- 3.5. Conclusion
- Chapter 4 Peter’s Leadership and Ethics in Acts
- 4.1. Peter in Jerusalem (Acts 1–6)
- 4.2. Peter in Samaria and Judea (Acts 8–9)
- 4.3. Peter among the Gentiles (Acts 10–12, 15)
- 4.4. Conclusion
- Chapter 5 Parallels: Peter and the Mebaqqer
- 5.1. Parallels and Parallelomania
- 5.2. John the Baptist and Qumran
- 5.3. General Parallels between Acts and Qumran
- 5.4. Peter and the Mebaqqer
- 5.5. Conclusion
- Chapter 6 Conclusion
- 6.1. Peter and the Mebaqqer
- 6.2. Implications
- Bibliography
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