Ecclesiology in the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts
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Ecclesiology in the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts
In the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts the author places an emphasis on ecclesiology. The term ecclesiology is derived from the Greek word ekklesia, meaning "those who are called out" or "assembly of citizens, church". It refers to the Community of Christians who surrounded Jesus and those who preached his name and works. It also refers to the members of the Christian community today. The author of Luke-Acts uses numerous metaphors and narrative tales to describe the trials that the early Christian community endured in its attempts to spread their religion across the world and the rewards that those same Christians would reap if they were loyal to Jesus and his teachings. The manner in which Christians should lead their lives was described in detail, and Christians use the same specifications today. Luke's ecclesiology focuses on three main points: the diverse nature of the Christian community and their acceptance of all peoples into their community; the way in which the Christian community should act unto others, both within their community and those who follow other ways of life; and the complete devotion which Christians should have to Jesus and their religion.
The first miraculous work performed by Jesus in the Gospel of Luke was the driving out of a demon from "a man with the unclean spirit of a demon" (Luke 4:33). The man was referred to as being unclean, which includes him in a large group of people who were socially unacceptable. Because the first incidence of Jesus interacting with the people of Judea was with a societal reject, Jesus' acceptance of everyone regardless of status was clearly demonstrated...