Missional Acts: Rhetorical Narrative in the Acts of the Apostles - Paperback

by Daniel McGinnis (Author), Steve Walton (Foreword by)

What is Luke's main purpose in writing the book of Acts? In this close study of the entire Acts narrative, McGinnis analyzes Luke's story of the first Christians in light of ancient rhetorical conventions, concluding that Luke presents his stories to strengthen the missional commitment and practice of his readers. Missional Acts approaches a vast amount of varied mission content systematically, dividing it into rhetorical instruction about missional stimuli, structures, strategies, and suffering, while using a body analogy to provide coherence. Even the enigmatic ending of Acts intentionally advances Luke's rhetorical purposes. Luke's teaching finds its culmination in the ministry of his archetypal missionary, the apostle Paul, whose missionary journeys are a Lukan masterclass in mission strategy with much to teach about ministry that transforms whole regions. McGinnis rejects the traditional dichotomy that Paul is either a missionary or a prisoner and shows that throughout his work Luke depicts suffering as an integral part of the mission, seeking to prepare his readers to face opposition of various kinds. Missional Acts will help readers approach Acts in innovative ways by reading it through a primary missional lens.

Author Biography

Daniel McGinnis is Vice Principal of St Hild College and the Founder and Executive Director of Leeds School of Theology. Formerly a church planter, he is passionate about the convergence of academic theology, biblical studies, and missional leadership. As an American and adopted "Yorkshireman," he grew up in Houston, Texas, and now lives with his wife and two teenagers in Sheffield, England.