The Saving Cross of the Suffering Christ by Benjamin R. Wilson

Author:Benjamin R. Wilson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Walter de Gruyter
Published: 2016-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

3.The Psalms

The third section of scripture mentioned in Luke 24:44–47 is the Psalms. Reference to the fulfillment of the Psalms is unique to Luke 24:44 among passages mentioning scriptural fulfillment in Luke’s gospel, and one might suppose that the designation stands alongside the Law of Moses and the Prophets as a metonym for the third category of the scriptures of Israel, the Writings 460 Such an understanding of Luke 24:44 would correspond with the stress upon universality in the references to scriptural fulfillment. Conversely, the other Lukan references to the Psalms refer consistently to passages from the book of Psalms (cf. Luke 20:42; Acts 1:20; 13:33), and quotations and allusions from particular Psalms do appear with reference to the passion in both Luke’s gospel and Acts. The reference to the Psalms in Luke 24:44, therefore, should probably be taken literally.461

Prior to the book of Acts, the Lukan passion narrative employs several Psalms in its depiction of the death of Jesus.462 The division of Jesus’ garments recalls Ps 22:18 (Luke 23:34), and the repetitive mocking demand for Jesus to save himself alludes to Ps 22:8 (ἐξεμυκτήριζον – Luke 23:35). The offer of sour wine evokes Ps 69:21 (Luke 23:36). Also, Jesus’ final words, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit,” are drawn from Ps 31:6 (Luke 23:46). Beyond these commonly affirmed allusions and quotations, some interpreters have found further resonances with the Psalms in the christological titles of the passion narrative, the depiction of Pilate and Herod, the declaration of the centurion in Luke 23:47, and the distance of the bystanders in Luke 23:49.463 Thus, Luke’s passion narrative draws heavily upon the language and imagery of the Psalms to depict Jesus’ death, providing a basis for the christological use of the Psalms in the passion references of Acts.

The apostolic proclamation highlights Jesus’ fulfillment of the Psalms through his experience of rejection and suffering at several points. In Acts 1:16–20, Judas’ apostasy is interpreted as a fulfillment of Ps 69:25 and 109:8.464 As in the Lukan usage of the Law of Moses and the Prophets, the passage emphasizes the theme of scriptural fulfillment. Peter informs the Jerusalem disciples, “The scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold through the mouth of David concerning Judas” (Acts 1:16). When the scriptures are quoted, Peter specifically refers to what is written in “the book of Psalms” (Acts 1:20). These fulfillment formulae introduce the quotation in a manner which evokes Jesus’ declaration of fulfillment in Luke 24:44–45, so that the treachery of Judas is understood as a satisfaction of one facet of scriptural expectations for the messiah.465

In Acts 4:11, Peter applies the language of Ps 118:22 to the rejection of Jesus by the Jewish leadership and the vindication of Jesus by God. The allusion to the Psalm contains no introduction,466 much like the allusions to Deut 21:23 in the speeches of Acts. However, Peter’s application of Ps 118:22 to Jesus recalls Jesus’ own use of Ps 118:22 in conflict with the Jerusalem authorities (Luke 20:17–18).

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