Behold Your House Is Left to You: The Theological and Narrative Place of the Jerusalem Temple in Luke's Gospel

This book explores the place of Jerusalem and its Temple in Lukes Gospel paying attention both to the Third Gospels 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 Lukes 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 Evangelists day. The Lukan Gospel links the good news of Jesus Christ to the deity of the Jews. But that deitys 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 Lukes Gospel. Rice locates the Temples function within Lukes 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.