The Old and the Young in Luke-Acts: The Lukan Literary Efforts for the Post-War Trauma, Generational Unity, and the Empowerment of the Younger Generation

Abstract

While many scholars point out the effect of the Jewish War on the formation of early Christian identities, not many have analyzed the generational dynamic over this traumatic experience and how the New Testament authors address this issue through their literary efforts. In this article, by utilizing sociological discussions on intergenerational tensions and integration in post-war societies, I present a generational interpretation of the literary efforts in Luke-Acts. I explore how Luke addresses the different understandings of the Temple between the older and younger generations and the trauma of its destruction persisting in the diaspora assemblies of Christ-followers. I argue that Luke, by portraying the old and young in particular ways (ex. Mary-Zechariah; early apostles-Stephen; Saul), attempts to heal the communal trauma of the war, promote mutual understanding between generations, and empower the next generation for the survival of the ekklēsia.