A Literary Method to Exegete Acts 16:11-40, by Considering its Relationship with Euripides Bacchae

15 Pages Posted: 11 Apr 2011 Last revised: 23 Dec 2011

See all articles by DiMarkco Stephen Chandler

DiMarkco Stephen Chandler

Claremont Graduate University; California State University, Northridge

Date Written: April 29, 2002

Abstract

This study argues that the author of Luke-Acts made ample use of Euripides Bacchae to fashion his story of Paul’s first missionary activities in Europe as depicted in Acts 16:11-40. The strength of this argument is based on a combination of selective studies done on Acts, which in my opinion if considered collectively represent a compelling interpretation of the book’s intended meaning. The material selected for this analysis will first highlight the social, historical and theological approaches to Acts, which have in the past only marginally provided a glimpse into its meaning. Second, Euripides Bacchae will be compared to Acts 16:11-40 to demonstrate the likelihood that the author of Acts used it as a model for his work. In addition, the theological concerns of which the author of Acts might have considered will be included within the scope of this comparison to support my conclusions on why the author of Acts would be interested in modeling his story after Euripides Bacchae?

Keywords: Paul, Luke, Acts, Euripides, Bacchae, Religion, History, Theory

JEL Classification: Z00

Suggested Citation

Chandler, DiMarkco Stephen, A Literary Method to Exegete Acts 16:11-40, by Considering its Relationship with Euripides Bacchae (April 29, 2002). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1806026 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1806026

DiMarkco Stephen Chandler (Contact Author)

Claremont Graduate University ( email )

150 E. Tenth Street
Claremont, CA 91711
United States

California State University, Northridge ( email )

18111 Nordoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330
United States

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