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Greek Prep Index

Exegetical Considerations

Luke 3:7-18

3rd Sunday in Advent/ December 14, 2003

1. What is the literary context of this text?

a. How does that context provide an interpretive framework for this passage?

2. What are Luke’s sources for this text?

a. How has he redacted those sources?

3. How does this text unfold according the prophetic pattern of Threat of Judgment; Challenge of Repentance; Ethical Admonition?

4. What is the theological word play between axious, arxesthe, and axine in vv. 8-9?

5. What does it mean to bear fruit axiomatic of repentance?

6. How is repentance understood as the radical response of reorientation
a. In this text?

b. Throughout Luke-Acts?

c. In our lives?

7. What does this text envision as the proper use of possessions or power?

a. Conversely what would this text envision as the improper use of possessions or power?

b. How is bearing fruit axiomatic of repentance a core aspect of enacting justice?

8. How is the Messiah and his mission envisioned in this text?

a. What is John’s role in relationship to that mission?