„Function of Isa 61,1-2 and 58,6 in Luke's programmatic passage
(Lk 4,16-30)”

The Polish Journal of Biblical Theology 3 (2002) 1,16;
co-author: Victor Onwukeme.

Luke 4,16-30 marks the beginning of Jesus' ministry in Galilee. With this pericope Luke maps out the content of the salvific deed of Jesus. The texts of Isa 61,1-2 and 58,6 cited here reflect the Jubilee year amnesty for the oppressed. These quotations foreshadow what Jesus is about to accomplish. The release implied in the text of Isaiah is applicable to Jesus but in a non-literal sense. Christ worked miracles to release the people from suffering and to demonstrate that he had a God-given mission to bring everyone eternal redemption. Jesus' presence is a direct fulfilment of Isa 61,1-2 and Isa 58,6. Thus Luke has deliberately put together these two citations to convey his theological message. Through the combination of these OT citations he declares Jesus to be an eschatological prophet and Messiah. Thus the quotations identify who Jesus is and what his mission is all about. Jesus is God's anointed one. God who saved his people in the OT continues to do so in the NT. Anointed by the Spirit he comes as the eschatological prophet to preach good news to his people and as Messiah to set his people free. The Scriptures have been fulfilled in his person and the last days have begun. This is the acceptable time and this is the time of salvation (2 Cor 6,2).

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