Apocalyptic Rhetoric in Acts of Apostles

"The Apocalyptic Logos of Luke in Acts of Apostles" briefly defines the nature, use, and meaning of apocalyptic (e.g., a narrow definition for a short presentation) in biblical and early Christian contexts.  Luke's use of catastrophic, end-of-the-world language in chapter 2 (verses 17-21) and his adaptation of Joel's prophecy are explored as a possible keynote for his Acts or logos ("treatise," "narrative," "book").  Such a keynote to Luke's record of early Christian activity is consistent with biblical, Christian, and much broader uses of apocalyptic--namely, apocalyptic's telos or goal orientation, its highlighting of cosmos altering or world changing events, and its lack of specification or its ambiguity.  Also noted is the lack of emphasis on Luke/Acts as apocalyptic literature (e.g., in comparison with books such as 1 Thessalonians or Revelation) but its consistent nature with an apocalyptic religion such as early Christianity.

Presented at the Fourteenth Annual Stone-Campbell Journal Conference which was hosted by the East 91st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana on April 10-11, 2015.