These hymns, the Magnificat, Benedictus and Nunc Dimittis, are a familiar part of Christian liturgy; but their origin is uncertain, their meaning debated and their significance within Luke-Acts often ignored. This monograph argues that they were composed in Hebrew by Jewish-Christian poets, and were incorporated by the evangelist as anticipating certain key themes of his own work.

These hymns, the Magnificat, Benedictus and Nunc Dimittis, are a familiar part of Christian liturgy; but their origin is uncertain, their meaning debated and their significance within Luke-Acts often ignored. This monograph argues that they were composed in Hebrew by Jewish-Christian poets, and were incorporated by the evangelist as anticipating certain key themes of his own work.

The four canticles of Luke's birth story--the Magnificat, Benedictus, Gloria in excelsis, and Nunc dimittis--are taken to be integral components of the narrative and a sustained lyrical prelude to the author's two-volume historical work. Each composition is analyzed in three steps: proximate context; text; and macrocontext, the last displaying, in each case, a graded contribution to the cumulative preview of Luke's overall argument that the songs constitute. The summary impression made by this argument is of the author's decisive role in the creation of these passages, of which--save, perhaps, for the Benedictus--his is the originating hand.

Offers a concise summary of, and an excellent introduction to, recent Lucan scholarship. Major positions on several important subjects are clearly expressed in nontechnical language. +

Despite the striking frequency with which the Greek word kyrios, Lord, occurs in Luke's Gospel, this study is the first comprehensive analysis of Luke's use of this word. The analysis follows the use of kyrios in the Gospel from beginning to end in order to trace narratively the complex and deliberate development of Jesus' identity as Lord. Detailed attention to Luke's narrative artistry and his use of Mark demonstrates that Luke has a nuanced and sophisticated christology centered on Jesus' identity as Lord.

1st Anchor Bible reference library ed. Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

The greatly anticipated third volume of Pope Benedict's already internationally bestselling examination of the life of Jesus Christ and His message for people today. This renowned theologian, biblical scholar and Pastor of over a billion Roman Catholics helps us to rediscover the essence of the Christian Religion.