James Leo Garrett Jr. and the Southwestern Theological Tradition
Southwestern Journal of Theology
Volume 65, No. 1 - Fall 2022
Editor: David S. Dockery
By David R. Bauer. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2021, 304pp., $32.99
David R. Bauer serves at Asbury Theological Seminary as dean of the School of Biblical Interpretation and Ralph Waldo Beeson Professor of Inductive Bible Studies. His expertise is narrative criticism, which applies the tools of studying literature to the Bible. In this volume he presents a sustained narrative-critical examination of Acts to prove: (A) Jesus is the dominant character; (B) Acts presents a consistent message; and (C) narrative criticism can give insights and answer questions not possible from historical criticism (p. 3).
In the first three chapters Bauer explains narrative criticism and shows how this interpretive method is the best one for studying Acts. He defines terms that are important in this process, such as: character, plot, and author. Although these may seem easy to understand, they can get complicated. So, his clear explanations are helpful for terms such as: (A) the narrative world versus the real world (p. 13); (B) types and purposes of characters (pp. 26-27); and (C) the five points of view one encounters in the text (pp. 38-44).
1. Aspects of this Study. The next four chapters are section-by-section narrative analyses of Acts with highlights of certain verses and words. The commentary section follows. For a model on how to apply narrative criticism, Bauer does a fine job in this sustained approach. He mentions many figures of speech, such as irony (e.g., pp. 102, 177, 195, 199), hyperbole (p. 132), and litotes (pp. 44, 201). He points out examples of rhetorical structures, such as flashback (pp. 135, 198) and inclusio (a bookending literary technique, pp. 63, 242). He is adept at comparing and contrasting elements within successive narrative material or speeches, such as anticipatory introductions (p. 50) and redundancies (pp. 46, 155). He effectively demonstrates how Luke maintains a consistent message throughout Acts. Along the way, Bauer sometimes contrasts views in order to help the reader better understand what he claims (pp. 169, 197, 236). Surprisingly, Bauer says little about the “we” sections in Acts (16:10-17; 20:5-15; 21:1-18; 27:1-37; 28:1-16), which should be a goldmine to a narrative critic (p. 36). Similarly, this volume pays the least attention to the last major section in Acts, 19:21-28:31 (pp. 217-48). The book needs a subject appendix. For instance, if a reader wants to know where Bauer found the use of inclusio in Acts, the only viable option other than a complete re-read of the book is to search an electronic copy.
2. Benefits of this Study. What are some benefits in a narrative-critical approach to Acts? Here are six. First, its primary focus is on the biblical text. Bauer mostly ignored how the text came to its final form and simply dealt with canonical Acts. Second, it helps clarify what tradition may otherwise obscure. For instance, Acts 13:1-19:20 deals with just two missionary journeys. There is no break between what we traditionally call the second and third journeys (p. 169). Third, new and helpful perspectives arise, such as the realization that Luke treats the church at Antioch almost like a character (pp. 162-64). Fourth, one discovers the major themes and emphases Luke carefully weaves throughout the book (p. 63). Fifth, understanding spatial point of view gives helpful insight: in Ephesus there is a shift of focus from Paul to other workers, showing the gospel is not dependent upon any one person doing ministry, regardless of how great he or she is (pp. 215-16). Sixth, one finds the thirty-six speeches in Acts are an integral part of the narrative and should not be examined apart from it (p. 63). Luke uses the speeches to drive the story forward (p. 65). Bauer effectively identifies the category of many of the speeches, such as farewell (p. 223), defensive (p. 227), and forensic (p. 237). He gives some helpful speech outline charts (pp. 208, 222) as well as section charts (pp. 180, 215), but more of both kinds of charts would benefit the reader.
3. Limits of this Study. Although Bauer claims to employ only narrative criticism (p. 3), he sometimes employs historical criticism, which is a better way to interpret Scripture. This reviewer believes narrative criticism alone is a deficient method of biblical study since it is synchronic, ignoring history and setting. Also, it can lead to overreaching speculation. For instance, did Luke omit charges against Jesus in his Gospel in order to put them in Acts in regard to Stephen’s martyrdom (p. 119)? Yet, narrative criticism is a helpful methodology when used carefully, as Bauer often does in this study. Expanding the commentary section (only 181 pages) would improve the book and give the reader more examples of Bauer’s interpretation of the biblical text.
Bauer writes clearly about a subject he has mastered over decades of study. His book is helpful for pastors, undergraduate and seminary students, and teachers as a judicious example of using narrative criticism on the book of Acts. He does not allow this interpretive method to undermine or ignore the traditional interpretation of the text; rather, he demonstrates narrative criticism also can be a legitimate interpretive method.
