THE DIVINE NECESSITY IN THE LIFE OF JESUS AND HIS DISCIPLES AN ENQUIRY INTO THE USE OF Δεῖ IN LUKE-ACTS

Abstract

The extensive studies carried out through the past centuries have proved that Luke is not writing just pure history, rather a kerygmatic history.1 The nature and the purpose of his work are made clear in the prologue to the Gospel (Lk 1:1-4).2 Scholars who have tried to establish the narrative unity in Luke-Acts have pointed out a number of elements, running throughout the two volume work such as the journey motive,3 the parallelism,4 the saving plan of God, etc.5 The fulfilment of God’s plan, that runs through Luke-Acts as the overarching theme, is expressed by the use of an impersonal verb δεῖ.6 The investigations show that δεῖ is a preferred term by Luke for describing the necessity of fulfilling God’s saving will in the life of Jesus and the then disciples. The present study explores the meaning of the word δεῖ and its significance in the Lucan context and thereby establishes that it has its basis in the will of God concerning Jesus and his disciples. The readiness of Jesus and the disciples to mould their life according to the divine necessity is presented as a paradigm for those who follow Jesus.