Hidden Criticism of the Angry Tyrant in Early Judaism and the Acts of the Apostles adds to the current literature of imperial-critical New Testament readings with an examination of Lukes hidden criticism of imperial Rome in the Acts of the Apostles and in Pauls speech on the Areopagus in Acts 17. Focusing on discursive resistance in the Hellenistic world, Drew J. Strait examines the relationship between hidden criticism and persuasion and between subordinates and the powerful, and he explores the challenge to the dissident voice to communicate criticism while under surveillance. Strait argues that Luke confronts the idolatrous power and iconic spectacle of gods and kings with the Gospel of the Lord of alla worldview that is incompatible with the religions of Rome, including emperor worship.Drew J. Strait is assistant professor of New Testament and Christian origins at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary.
This is meticulous scholarship, good background for teachers of undergraduates and contributory to the more focused work of graduate seminars. . . meticulous work like Drew Straits deserves to endure and be made accessible to future scholars. Catholic Biblical Quarterly
This book provides a very sophisticated and fresh reading of Pauls famous Areopagus speech. Drew J. Strait excels in displaying his easy command of a broad array of sources, including the epigraphic habit, but also gives due weight to Philo and the Wisdom of Solomon with their icon parodies and idol satires. The ancient rhetorical device of figured speech is used as an analytical tool to good effect throughout. Thus a thick web of allusions is created for Acts 17 that allows us to read this speech as subtle criticism of the dominating political ideology of the day. An important book and a must- read for everyone, not only for Lukan scholars. Hans-Josef Klauck, University of Chicago
Framing the New Testaments position regarding the political hegemony of the day hl“c
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