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The Ascension Narratives as the Structural Hinge for Luke-Acts
Mang, Dal Lam
Mang, Dal Lam
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Abstract
An undeniable fact concerning the ascension in Luke-Acts is the presence of two parallel episodes on the same event. This dissertation investigates the purpose of the duplicate narratives depicting the ascension of Jesus in Luke-Acts. I argue that the ascension narratives serve as the structural hinge for Luke’s two-volume works, where Luke organized his materials in Luke-Acts in a chiastic pattern to create a coherent and orderly account. Through a structural analysis, I argue that Luke organized his materials in Luke (1–24) in ascending narrative flow heading toward the ascension episode, and in Acts (1–28) in descending narrative flow. This chiastic framework showcases the intentional organization of Luke’s two volumes, highlighting the pivotal role of the ascension narratives. Understanding this structural significance contributes to a deeper comprehension of Luke-Acts as a cohesive and purposeful literary work. Chapter 1 lays the foundation of the dissertation with a brief introduction, a concise thesis statement, and an overview of the methodological approach, including a summary of relevant ascension scholarship.
Chapter 2 presents the criteria relevant to identifying Lukan parallels, followed by an examination of common chiastic structures. A central concern of this chapter is to demonstrate the impact of structural frameworks on theological presentation. It also addresses key preliminary issues, including the challenges of genre classification when treating Luke and Acts as a unified literary work. Despite these complexities, I argue that literary analysis offers significant exegetical potential. The chapter also critiques the limitations of historical criticism, demonstrating that it need not hinder theological insight when integrated with literary methods. Chapter 3 focuses on the ascension episodes in Luke-Acts, particularly the transition from the end of Luke to the beginning of Acts. I argue that these episodes function as a literary hinge, displaying beginning, continuation, and conclusion, and showcasing Luke’s distinctive style and narrative cohesion.
Chapter 4 applies the same method to the birth narratives—John and Jesus in Luke, and the apostolic mission in Acts—selected for their strong literary and theological parallels.
Chapter 5 continues this approach, analyzing the parallelism in preaching and its geographic expansion.
Chapter 6 concludes with a summary of key findings and reflections.
Description
Ph.D., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2026
Date
2026-05
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The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
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Mang_sbts_0207D_10948.pdf
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