Early Narrative Christology: The Lord in the Gospel of Luke

C. Kavin Rowe (PhD, Duke University) is assistant professor of New Testament at Duke University Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina. In addition to detailed exegetical studies on New Testament texts, Rowe has published articles on a variety of topics. He received the John Templeton Award for Theological Promise in 2009 for Early Narrative Christology.

C. Kavin Rowe (Ph.D., Duke University) is assistant professor of New Testament at Duke University Divinity School. His research focuses primarily on the New Testament, both in its historical particularity and in its relation to the later Christian theological tradition. In addition to detailed exegetical studies on New Testament texts, Rowe has published articles on a variety of topics ranging from the imperial cult in the Greco-Roman world to the doctrine of the Trinity.

"Lukan Christology has provided the focus of a number of monographs of late, but none has had this particular methodological focus on narrative criticism nor centered on the extensive use of the title kyrios by the Third Evangelist. In setting as his research focus the narrative development of the meaning of kyrios in the Gospel of Luke, then, Rowe fills a surprising lacuna in Lukan scholarship. More importantly, his project allows him to explore what is undeniably a central ingredient of Luke's Christology. . . . [Rowe] grasps clearly the hospitality of a narrative orientation toward ambiguity along with dynamic development. . . . This is a compelling study that will serve as the point of departure for subsequent analyses of Luke's Christology. . . . Early Narrative Christology is exemplary for its methodological focus, exegetical prowess, and theological maturity."--Joel B. Green, Review of Biblical Literature

"[This book] rests solidly on the foundation of extensive exegesis of the Gospel of Luke. . . . At points where Rowe disagrees with noted Lucan scholars, he argues convincingly, appealing to exegesis and lexical comparisons across the Gospel. . . . Whereas earlier scholars have found Luke's ambiguous use of 'Lord' confusing or 'unintentional-unreflective,' Rowe demonstrates that careful attention to exegesis coupled with critical reflection on the narrative development of the term across the Gospel provides the hermeneutical key to Lucan christology. . . . A second work that takes Rowe's christological insights and trains them on Acts would be welcome."--Laurie Brink, OP, Catholic Biblical Quarterly

"There is no space in a single review to do full justice to the detail and richness of Rowe's analysis. . . . If there are questions, at least in this reviewer's mind, they must be seen in the context of grateful thanks for an analysis of Luke's Gospel, and Christology, that is sensitive to both narrative and theological issues. . . . [This study] is clearly articulated, consistently worked out on the basis of a line of argument that is careful, subtle, and sensitive. . . . Rowe is to be thanked for providing an immensely stimulating study that will undoubtedly become part of the standard literature on Luke's Gospel and Luke's Christology. Certainly this will be a 'must' for all serious students of Luke's work in the future."--Christopher Tuckett, Review of Biblical Literature