This thesis argues that the presentation of the Roman military in Luke’s Gospel is highly surpris... more This thesis argues that the presentation of the Roman military in Luke’s Gospel is highly surprising and hugely significant. In contrast to Matthew, Mark and John, Luke’s soldiers and centurions are presented in a positive light, which subverted the ancient audience’s expectations and demonstrated Missio Dei for those regarded as the most marginal – the Roman military. The dissertation demonstrates that while Cornelius the centurion was the first Gentile to be baptised, men of the Roman military were already among those converted and their reaction to Jesus, was the correct response of a disciple. Their example was, therefore, to be imitated by the early Christian community and, in fact, the Roman military were instrumental in the expansion of the church. In summary, the analysis reveals John the Baptist had an appreciation for the institution of the military and the courage to speak truth to power, while the centurion who had heard of Jesus had a faith that amazed the Son of God.
Consequently, the Royal Army Chaplains’ Department (RAChD) could be provoked to replicate Luke’s mission to those largely forgotten by the civilian church and recognise the privilege and peculiarities of serving the institution of the Army. Centurions in Luke’s Gospel both received clear teaching about Jesus and separately, proclaimed Christ boldly. The RAChD should be confident, therefore, to speak of Jesus and his exclusive salvation. Thirdly, as the Early Church and Roman Empire expanded symbiotically, the RAChD should refine their cross-cultural evangelism to reach today’s mostly male, ‘millennial’ military and so ensure no man is left behind. Finally, the thesis concludes that by converting soldiers and officers in their networked locations around the United Kingdom, the ‘missing generation’ could return to the Church, meaning, once again, the military could be instrumental in the evangelisation of the nation.
This thesis argues that the presentation of the Roman military in Luke’s Gospel is highly surpris... more This thesis argues that the presentation of the Roman military in Luke’s Gospel is highly surprising and hugely significant. In contrast to Matthew, Mark and John, Luke’s soldiers and centurions are presented in a positive light, which subverted the ancient audience’s expectations and demonstrated Missio Dei for those regarded as the most marginal – the Roman military. The dissertation demonstrates that while Cornelius the centurion was the first Gentile to be baptised, men of the Roman military were already among those converted and their reaction to Jesus, was the correct response of a disciple. Their example was, therefore, to be imitated by the early Christian community and, in fact, the Roman military were instrumental in the expansion of the church. In summary, the analysis reveals John the Baptist had an appreciation for the institution of the military and the courage to speak truth to power, while the centurion who had heard of Jesus had a faith that amazed the Son of God.
Consequently, the Royal Army Chaplains’ Department (RAChD) could be provoked to replicate Luke’s mission to those largely forgotten by the civilian church and recognise the privilege and peculiarities of serving the institution of the Army. Centurions in Luke’s Gospel both received clear teaching about Jesus and separately, proclaimed Christ boldly. The RAChD should be confident, therefore, to speak of Jesus and his exclusive salvation. Thirdly, as the Early Church and Roman Empire expanded symbiotically, the RAChD should refine their cross-cultural evangelism to reach today’s mostly male, ‘millennial’ military and so ensure no man is left behind. Finally, the thesis concludes that by converting soldiers and officers in their networked locations around the United Kingdom, the ‘missing generation’ could return to the Church, meaning, once again, the military could be instrumental in the evangelisation of the nation.
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Papers by Matt Coles
Consequently, the Royal Army Chaplains’ Department (RAChD) could be provoked to replicate Luke’s mission to those largely forgotten by the civilian church and recognise the privilege and peculiarities of serving the institution of the Army. Centurions in Luke’s Gospel both received clear teaching about Jesus and separately, proclaimed Christ boldly. The RAChD should be confident, therefore, to speak of Jesus and his exclusive salvation. Thirdly, as the Early Church and Roman Empire expanded symbiotically, the RAChD should refine their cross-cultural evangelism to reach today’s mostly male, ‘millennial’ military and so ensure no man is left behind. Finally, the thesis concludes that by converting soldiers and officers in their networked locations around the United Kingdom, the ‘missing generation’ could return to the Church, meaning, once again, the military could be instrumental in the evangelisation of the nation.
Consequently, the Royal Army Chaplains’ Department (RAChD) could be provoked to replicate Luke’s mission to those largely forgotten by the civilian church and recognise the privilege and peculiarities of serving the institution of the Army. Centurions in Luke’s Gospel both received clear teaching about Jesus and separately, proclaimed Christ boldly. The RAChD should be confident, therefore, to speak of Jesus and his exclusive salvation. Thirdly, as the Early Church and Roman Empire expanded symbiotically, the RAChD should refine their cross-cultural evangelism to reach today’s mostly male, ‘millennial’ military and so ensure no man is left behind. Finally, the thesis concludes that by converting soldiers and officers in their networked locations around the United Kingdom, the ‘missing generation’ could return to the Church, meaning, once again, the military could be instrumental in the evangelisation of the nation.