Overview

Of all the New Testament writings Luke-Acts focuses particular attention on rich and poor, possessions and poverty. The Poor and Their Possessions is a new edition of a Cambridge doctoral dissertation that has long been out of print. The author's exploration of Luke's thinking is of special importance for Christian preachers, so much effort has gone into making it accessible and readable. Who are the poor? Why are they favored? Did Jesus have a program of social reform? Is renunciation of possessions demanded of all Christians? What guidance does Luke give on the use of possessions? Did the early church have a community of possessions? To whom was Luke's material targeted? What was its purpose? These and other questions find their answers in the book. Besides its clear argument, this book is a treasure store of careful study of some difficult but important passages from Luke and Acts.

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9781666710045

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Reviews

It is good that David Seccombe's magisterial study The Poor and Their Possessions will be republished. . . . His insights based on in-depth exegesis of key texts and his engagement with alternative views combine to make this work one of rare scholarship. The new edition incorporates subsequent inquiry into this subject and includes an appendix with the author's critical review of ten more recent studies. Highly recommended. --Paul Barnett, Lecturer emeritus, Moore College, Sydney The 1970s were the heyday of liberation theology, so it was important for Seccombe to remind us of how intertwined 'poor' and 'rich' in Luke-Acts were with spiritual realities. Today capitalism has largely triumphed, so Seccombe's biggest contribution may be to remind us that kingdom use of one's possessions includes helping the physically poor. It is great to have this work in print again, with a bonus--a detailed appendix critiquing more recent studies. --Craig L. Blomberg, Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Denver Seminary By careful exegesis, attention to detail, and sound judgment, David Seccombe enlightens us in the reading of Luke's writings. His subject continues to be of key significance in seeking to follow Christ faithfully. As we accept his findings, we will be all the better placed to receive the gospel and live out its implications. --Peter Jensen, former Archbishop of Sydney By setting Luke's understanding of 'the poor' properly in its Old Testament context, Seccombe enables us to understand so much of Jesus' teaching about 'the poor' as he intended it to be understood--rather than as we, with our own preconceptions, might like to read it. The content of this book will revolutionize our handling of Luke's Gospel. --William Taylor, Rector of St Helen's Bishopsgate

Author Information

David Peter Seccombe is Research Fellow of George Whitefield College in Cape Town, South Africa, where he was principal from 1993-2012. He is Extraordinary Professor of New Testament of North-West University in South Africa, and Acting Dean of Geraldton Anglican Cathedral in Western Australia. His books include Dust to Destiny: Reading Romans Today (2013); The King of God's Kingdom: A Solution to the Puzzle of Jesus (2002); The Gospel of the Kingdom: Jesus' Revolutionary Message (2016); and Christian Family (2020).

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