Abstract

The purpose of the dissertation was to investigate the nature and meaning of the evangelistic call to discipleship sounded by Jesus in the Gospel of Luke and to apply the findings to the theology and practice of evangelism. ;Part I described some current problems in evangelism, particularly the dilution of the evangelistic message when it is divorced from the summons to repentance and radical discipleship. These problems include an oversimplification of the message, an offer of cheap grace, and a shallow understanding of faith. An analysis of the necessity and proper use of historical criticism was given along with an overall outline of the methodological approach to be followed in the thesis. ;Part II contained the exegesis of the relevant sections of Luke from the perspective of redaction criticism. A thematic overview of Luke was presented, thus aiding the understanding of Luke's overall purpose. This purpose was to show that the kingdon of God had come in the person of Jesus and that entrance to the kingdom is open to all who will respond to him in a life of discipleship. Conclusions concerning the nature and meaning of the call to discipleship were delineated. ;Part III related the implications of Lukan discipleship for the theology of evangelism. Implications were drawn for the meaning of faith, repentance and conversion, along with the relationship of evangelism to social ministry. An analysis of the theologies of evangelism of C. E. Autrey, T. A. Kantonen, A. Skevington Wood and David Watson, particularly as they related to the concept of discipleship was presented. Conclusions and suggestions for further study concluded this third section. ;Part IV included the implications of discipleship for the church and its practical implementation of the evangelistic task. The areas of evangelistic preaching, Christian education, and the fellowship of the church were the focal points of concern