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Title: '... sandten die Apostel zu ihnen Petrus und Johannes' (Apg 8,10)
Subtitle: Überörtliche Verbindungen der urchristlichen Gemeinden in der Darstellung der Apostelgeschichte des Lukas
Author(s): STENSCHKE, Christoph
Journal: Ephemerides Theologicae Lovanienses
Volume: 87    Issue: 4   Date: 2011   
Pages: 433-453
DOI: 10.2143/ETL.87.4.2149598

Abstract :
In the context of the current discussion of similarities and differences between early Christian churches and the associations of the ancient world, translocal links between these communities play a significant role. Detailed surveys of the NT evidence are rare; examinations of such links in early Christianity usually focus on Pauline literature. This article examines the portrayal of translocal links in early Christianity in the Book of Acts. After a brief survey of research on this comparison, the article will examine such translocal links in Acts 8f; 10–14; 15–16,1; Acts 16,6-28. They are shown to appear in the context of Paul’s ministry and have an important function in the purpose of Acts for placing Paul’s ministry in a larger context and providing legitimacy to Paul’s disputed mission. Acts suggests that such translocal links were a significant characteristic of early Christian communities. A final section addresses the historical reliability of the Lukan portrayal and argues for its historicity.

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