The holy spirit in the theology of St. Luke

The essay consists of five main chapters with an introduction and conclusion. This defines the limits of the essay and explains the methodology employed. These chapters are examined particularly with reference to the Spirit as the agent of fulfillment of the old, and the inaugurator of the new. 'The main text examined is Lk. 1.35. The Spirit is shown to be also used in a skillful linking and differentiation of John the Baptist and Jesus. Through a fairly detailed synoptic comparison, the peculiarly Lukan emphasis is brought to light. The Baptism is linked with 1.35 and the Transfiguration. Again both the Baptism and Temptation are shown to be seen in the light of the fulfillment of the Old Covenant. All the lines of fulfilment join together in the Spirit's descent on Jesus. The immediate result of this is the testing of his Messiahship, and Proclamation in the synagogue of Nazareth. This proclamation is coupled with the Luken rejection motif. The Spirit is seen to be especially involved in Jesus' ministries of exorcism and healing, but also in his preaching and teaching. The position of Lk 4.18-19 is seen to be of great importance. The main problem is the lack of specific reference to the Spirit. This is resolved in similar fashion to the question of the Messianic Secret. The relation of the apostles to the spirit is also discussed, since this is relevant to the ministry of the Church. Firstly the relation between the Transfiguration and Ascension is examined. This points to the fundamental centrality of the Ascension in Luke's theology. Pentecost is then seen as the fulfilling of the Ascension in the Church. Secondly, as a minor theme, the resurrection appearances are looked into and the similarities with Johannine thought are noted. This raises the question of the historicity of the Lukan schematization. In the examination of Pentecost itself the problem of the quotation from Joel and also the relation of Pentecost to the founding of the Church and the Gentile mission are raised. The Spirit is revealed to be active in two main areas : (1) the mission of the Church in evangelization - this is especialy seen in the areas of preaching, miracles and the life of the Church ; (2) the establishing and justification of the Gentile mission - this overriding concern is shown to obscure the other functions of the Spirit especially in the realm of Baptism and the Christian life of the individual. Thus Luke's historical sense is seen to be coupled with a theological desire to justify and bolster the Gentile mission. This draws out the various conclusions within the essay. The question of 'salvation-history' is raised and a solution found in terms of Luke's use of the Spirit. In broad outline the schema of Conzelmann is accepted. The Lukan eschatology is mentioned in an attempt to find a solution to questions raised by the comparison of Luke with Paul and John. This comparison is only meant to place the main conclusions of the essay within the context of the wider New Testament