Restoring the Kingdom: the Role of God as the "Ordainer of Times and Seasons" in the Acts of the Apostles: 165 (Princeton Theological Monograph Series)

Synopsis: In the book of Acts divine involvement is everywhere. From the beginning God is responsible for promised action including the geographic expansion--in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth (1:7)--referenced in Jesus response to the disciples clearly related to Lukes purpose in writing the book. Geographic expansion however is only the second part of Jesus reply. Is it possible that the first half of Jesus reply--It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority--has even greater bearing on the actions that follow and on Lukes purpose? Is the Father setting times and seasons related to the kingdoms establishment? Does this phrase explain the conspicuous divine involvement throughout the plot? In Restoring the Kingdom Michael Salmeier answers these questions in the affirmative by exploring Lukes characterization of God in three strands: God as the King who establishes and restores Israels king who establishes his people and who directs events. This unfolds Lukes purpose in assuring the reader concerning the events that have taken place helping to more fully illuminate Lukes theology concerning God and his kingdom. Endorsement: Michael Salmeier in Restoring the Kingdom brilliantly merges literary characterization with theological analysis of the narrative of Acts to produce a profound spectacle of God as the sovereign King and merciful Savior who is restoring his reinterpreted kingdom. Salmeiers scholarship is refreshingly impeccable and pastoral providing a unique and indispensable perspective of God as the ordainer of times and seasons for the kingdom. This is groundbreaking work for the necessary unification of literary and theological studies in Acts. --Michael J. Wilkins Distinguished Professor of New Testament Language and Literature Talbot School of Theology In this well-written volume Michael Salmeier has provided a needed and accurate portrayal of the major actor of the book of Acts--God. The work is replete with helpful insights and gives necessary correction to previous treatments of this theme. --Clinton E. Arnold Professor and Chairman Department of New Testament Talbot School of Theology Refreshingly free of jargon Dr. Salmeiers close reading of Acts uses character analysis to illuminate the texts portrayal of God. His discussion offers a clear path through the recent debate and invites the attention of a broad readership. --Robert Morgan Linacre College University of Oxford Adding to the growing literature on Lukes transformation of Gods promises to restore Israel Salmeier has provided a helpful discussion on the role of God in such a process. Through a discussion of the various motifs embedded in the Acts of the Apostles he has not only shown the significant presence of God in this narrative he has also clarified the relationship between Jesus the Spirit and God the Father in Lukes program. This meticulous analysis of the textual data has created a helpful lens through which a fruitful reading can be produced. --David W. Pao Professor of New Testament and Chair of the New Testament Department Trinity Evangelical Divinity School Author Biography: Michael A. Salmeier is Academic Dean and Assistant Professor of Bible and Theology at Life Pacific College in San Dimas California.