Spirit inspired utterance: A comparative study of Acts 2:14-21 and Second Temple Period Jewish Literature.

摘要

The Hebrew Scriptures reveal God's desire to reside among humanity. His Divine Presence encountered the Jewish patriarchs, establishing and affirming covenant relationship. Peter's sermon on Pentecost marks the seminal event, affirming the covenant made with Israel at Mount Sinai. In the fertile atmosphere of Messianic expectation during the Second Temple Period, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit assumes eschatological significance. Therefore, Peter's midrash of Joel 2:28-32 must be interpreted in this context (Acts 2:14-21).;The first chapter of this thesis will discuss the broad spectrum of thought regarding the Holy Spirit and Inspired Speech. Also a brief overview of these concepts, as they developed in the Hebrew Scriptures, is outlined. The second chapter details the exegetical analysis of Joel 2:28-32 and examines parallel texts. The third chapter is an exegesis of Acts 2:14-21 with a special emphasis on Peter's midrashic application and Luke's literary style. The final chapter examines Late Second Temple Period Jewish Literature in comparison with Peter's midrash, and gives a brief summary and conclusion.