Parallels and Patterns between Luke and Acts

Abstract

This article examines various parallels or patterns between the Third Gospel and book of Acts. Parallels are determined by identical words, phrases, contextual similarities, and sequential agreement of data between Luke's two-part work. Prototypes from the life of Jesus in the Third Gospel are repeated or amplified in Acts with reference to episodes involving Peter, John, Stephen, Philip, the first evangelists to the Gentiles in Antioch, and above all, the Apostle Paul, who commands two-thirds of the Luke–Acts parallels. The passion of Jesus is the most important element of the Third Gospel for Lukan parallels, serving as a prototype of three-quarters of the antitypes in Acts, especially as a prototype for a “passion of Paul.” The article concludes by considering the purpose and significance of Luke–Acts parallels, especially as they are illustrated by the Lukan master-disciple paradigm, “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully outfitted will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40).