Revolutionary Motifs in the Miracle Narratives of Luke's Gospel: A Postcolonial Reading

Contents: Preface. Introduction. 1. Miracles in the Lukan Context. 2. Social Context of the Lukan Community. 3. Postcolonial Hermeneutics and Luke-Acts. 4. Postcolonial Reading of Miracle Narratives Exclusive to Luke. 5. Postcolonial Reading of Select Healing Miracles in Luke Paralleted in Other Synoptic Gospels. 6. Revolutionary Motifs of the Miracle Stories in the Gospel of Luke. Conclusion. Bibliography.

This book used postcolonial approach in studying Lukan miracle stories; the miracles were portrayed as mode of Jesus’ intervention in situations of vulnerability and exploitation of various kinds, besides works of emancipation and breaking of gender and race discrimination. The book also provides fresh insights towards the reading and understanding of the miracles of Jesus as “revolutionary” in nature when compared with other miracle workers of the time. As instruments of transformative power, miracles of Jesus in Luke confronted imperial and oppressive structures and promoted justice and wholistic healing. The book illuminated that Miracles were means of Jesus’ intervention in the socio-political set up of his time to actualize the principles of the reign of God in the lives of the most susceptible and oppressed persons’ lives.