Be sure to read parts 1 and 2.
Talbert’s work highlights the way these similarities between Luke and Acts works not only at a micro level but also on a macro level. I’ve highlighted much of the similarities between the first few chapters, but consider some of the rest:
A centurion. . .
Luke 7:1–10: A centurion, well-spoken of by the Jews, sends servants to Jesus to ask him to come to his house.
Acts 10: A centurion, well-spoken of by the Jewish people, sends men to Peter, asking him to come to his house.
Stories featuring Widows and Resurrection
Luke 7:11–17: Here we have a narrative which involves a widow and a resurrection. Jesus raises the dead, saying, “Arise.” Upon doing this we read that the dead man "sat up".
Acts 9:36-43: The narrative involves widows and, again, a resurrection. Peter says, “Rise.” The dead woman then “sat up.”
Criticism from Jewish Leaders
Luke 7:36-50: Jesus is criticized by a Pharisee for being touched by a sinful woman.
Acts 11:10–13: The circumcision party criticizes Jesus for his association with Gentiles.
Journey to Jerusalem
Luke 9:51-19:28: Jesus journeys to Jerusalem, which is ultimately to end with his passion (9:31; 9:51; 12:50; 13:33; 18:31-33), doing so under divine necessity (13:33). Throughout the journey the disciples’ lack of understanding is underscored (14:45; 18:34).
Acts 19:21-21:17: Paul journeys to Jerusalem, also a kind of “passion-journey” (20:3; 20:22-24; 20:37-38; 21:4; 21:10-11; 21:13), which he undertakes under divine necessity (20:22; 21:14). The trip is marked by his friends’ lack of understanding (21:4, 21:12-13).
The Way to Jerusalem
In fact, the similarities between Jesus and Paul can be further underscored: For example, in the “way” narrative of Jesus’ trip to Jerusalem, there are seven references to journeys to Jerusalem. Of course, like Jesus, Paul makes a journey to Jerusalem in the book of Acts. Not surprisingly, there are seven important references to this journey.
1. Luke 9:51 Jesus “set his face to go to Jerusalem.”
Acts 19:21 “Paul resolved in the Spirit to . . . go to Jerusalem.”
2. Luke 13:22: “. . . [Jesus] was journeying toward Jerusalem.
Acts 20:22 “. . . I am going to Jerusalem.”
3. Luke 13:33 “I must go on my way. . . for a prophet cannot perish away from Jerusalem.”
Acts 21:4: “. . . they told Paul not to go to Jerusalem.”
4. Luke 17:11: “On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee.”
Acts 21:11-12: Agabus tells Paul that the Jews at Jerusalem would bind him.
5. Luke 18:31: “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem.”
Acts 21:13: Paul says, “. . . I am ready. . . to die at Jerusalem.”
6. Luke 19:11: “[Jesus] was near to Jerusalem.”
Acts 21:15: “we made ready to go to Jerusalem.”
7. Luke 19:28 “. . . [Jesus] went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.”
Acts. 21:17: “When we had come to Jerusalem.”
Jesus and Paul in Jerusalem
Finally, as Talbert observes, not only is the journey to Jerusalem similar. There are further parallels in the details of what happens to Jesus and Paul in the city. These similarities are too uncanny to be written off as coincidence or insignificant.
Welcomed at Jerusalem
Luke 19:3: Jesus is welcomed by the people at Jerusalem, who praise God for his works.
Acts 21:17–20a: Paul is welcomed and they glorify God for the things being done through him.
A Temple Visit
Luke 19:45–48: Jesus goes into the Temple.
Acts 21:26: Paul goes into the temple.
Opposed by Sadducees, Acknowledged by Scribes
Luke 20:27–39: The Sadducees, who do not believe in the resurrection, oppose Jesus. Some scribes take a friendly attitude to Jesus.
Acts 23:6–9: The Sadducees do not believe in the resurrection oppose Paul. Some scribes say they find nothing wrong with Paul’s teaching.
Breaking Bread
Luke 22:19: “[Jesus] he took bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it and gave it to them. . .”
Acts 27:35: “[Paul] took bread, and giving thanks to God. . . broke it and began to eat.”
Seized by a Crowd
Luke 22:54: A crowd seizes Jesus.
Acts 21:30: The people ran together; they seized Paul.
Slapped by the High Priest's Assistants
Luke 22:63–64: Jesus is slapped by the priest’s assistants.
Acts 23:2: Paul is slapped at the high priest’s command.
The Four Trials of Jesus and Paul
Luke 22:54; 23:1; 23:9; Luke 23:11: The four trials of Jesus (the high priest and the council; Pilate; Herod; Pilate).
Acts 23; 24; 25; 26: The four trials of Paul (Sanhedrin; Felix; Festus; Agrippa).
Thrice Declared Innocent by Gentile Authority
Luke 23:4, 14, 22: Pilate declares Jesus innocent three times.
Acts 23:9; 25:25; 26:31 Three times the pagan rulers (the king, the governor and Bernice; Festus; and Agrippa) declare Paul innocent.
Before Herod
Luke 23:6-12: Pilate sends Jesus to Herod for questioning.
Acts 25:13-26:32: Herod hears Paul with permission of Festus.
Rulers set to Release
Luke 23:16, 22: Pilate says he will release Jesus.
Acts 26:32: Agrippa says: "This man could have been set free"
To be continued. . .