Author: Jens Dörpinghaus (University of Pretoria)

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ABSTRACT

This work presents a detailed discussion of a social network representation of Luke’s Gospel. The main research question is how the early Christian network according to Luke look does like. In particular, we focus on Luke’s perspectives on ‘in’ and ‘out’. Our analysis shows that Luke’s primary focus is on the inclusion of every single person. His interest is not limited to women, but he opens the perspective to all people. Luke’s primary narrative interest in composing interpersonal relationship is the idea of participation in the βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ (kingdom of God). He carefully composes his work in such a way that (a) no group has a special position and (b) the participation in the βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ (kingdom of God) also results from the interpersonal encounter outside. Not every follower of Christ was previously excluded from society, but new (different) social participation always results afterwards. Thus, the divine work always turns concern (e.g. social concern) into participation.