The Hermeneutics of Social Identity in Luke-Acts

“Nickolas Fox brings a fresh approach to the labyrinthian question of the purpose of Luke-Acts. Putting social identity theory to good use, he urges that Luke’s principal aim was to form an insider-identity within the first-century Christian movement among former outsiders—God-fearers.”


—Joel B. Green, Professor of New Testament Interpretation, Fuller Theological Seminary





“Fox’s The Hermeneutics of Social Identity in Luke-Acts is a compelling interdisciplinary work that joins social scientific with historical and literary analysis. This in-depth exploration of the audience of God-fearers in Luke-Acts gives his readers a helpful introduction to social identity theory and narrative and intertextual aspects of Luke-Acts. Readers will find Fox’s work a deep and meaningful reflection on God’s desire for inclusivity of God-fearers in God’s kingdom.”


—Beth M. Stovell, Associate Professor of Old Testament, Ambrose University





“Luke-Acts has traditionally been understood as written to Gentile Christ-followers. In his insightful study, Nickolas Fox analyzes social identity formation in Luke-Acts and concludes that its primary audience is God-fearers. Forming God-fearers for inclusion into the people of God explains a number of Lukan motifs explored by Fox, including a decentralized movement and an accent on minor characters. Fox offers Luke-Acts scholarship a thoughtful contribution for the conversation.”


—Jeannine Brown, Professor of New Testament, Bethel Seminary





“I know Nick Fox as a good man and a true follower of Jesus. His treatment of Luke-Acts is compelling, faithful, and ground-breaking. The Hermeneutics of Social Identity in Luke-Acts offers biblical answers to a culture desperate for a coherent social identity of inclusion. This is well done.”


—Peter Benedict, Lead Pastor, River Heights Vineyard Church