Introduction
The Book of Acts, traditionally attributed to Luke, serves as a crucial bridge between the Gospels and the early history of the Christian Church. Scholars have long debated the sources that Luke may have used in composing Acts, leading to discussions about hypotexts—pre-existing texts that served as foundational material for later works. A hypotext is a literary source that a writer adapts, expands upon, or reinterprets in the creation of a new text. In this case, identifying Luke’s hypotexts for Acts can shed light on his theological intentions, historical accuracy, and literary strategies.
The question of what sources influenced Acts is essential to understanding how Luke shaped his narrative about the spread of Christianity. Did he rely on oral traditions, earlier written sources, or even specific texts such as the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) or Greco-Roman historiography? By exploring Luke’s hypotexts, we can gain deeper insight into how he constructed the narrative of Acts, the historical framework he employed, and the theological messages he sought to convey.
1. What Is a Hypotext, and Why Does It Matter for Acts?
A hypotext is a prior literary source that serves as the foundation for a later work, known as the hypertext. In biblical studies, identifying a hypotext helps scholars determine:
- The literary and historical influences on an author’s writing.
- How an author reshaped earlier material to fit their theological and narrative goals.
- The reliability and intent behind the final composition.
For Luke, the composition of Acts likely involved drawing from multiple hypotexts, including:
- The Gospel of Luke (which serves as the first volume of a two-part work).
- The Septuagint (LXX), particularly in shaping speeches and theological themes.
- Eyewitness accounts and oral traditions from early Christian communities.
- Roman and Hellenistic historical writing, which influenced the structure and tone of Acts.
Understanding these sources allows us to see how Luke crafted Acts as both a historical record and a theological narrative, blending fact, faith, and literary artistry.
2. The Gospel of Luke as the Primary Hypotext for Acts
One of the most widely accepted hypotexts for Acts is Luke’s own Gospel. The two books share:
- A common authorial voice, as both are attributed to Luke.
- Similar literary style, including polished Greek and structured storytelling.
- Overlapping themes, such as the role of the Holy Spirit and the mission to the Gentiles.
2.1. Narrative Continuity Between Luke and Acts
Acts functions as a sequel to the Gospel of Luke, picking up where the Gospel leaves off. The transition is made clear in Acts 1:1-2, where Luke directly references his “former book” (the Gospel) and resumes the story with Jesus’ ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
Many themes introduced in Luke—such as the inclusion of outsiders, the opposition Jesus faced, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit—continue in Acts but expand to the early Church and its mission beyond Jerusalem. This suggests that Luke used his own Gospel as a hypotext, shaping Acts as a continuation of Jesus’ work through his disciples.
3. The Septuagint as a Hypotext: Acts and the Old Testament
A second major hypotext for Acts is the Greek Old Testament (Septuagint, LXX). Luke frequently alludes to Old Testament stories, characters, and prophecies, showing how the events in Acts fulfill scriptural expectations.
3.1. The Influence of Old Testament Narrative Structures
Luke structures certain events in Acts to mirror Old Testament events, reinforcing the idea that God’s plan continues through the early Church. Examples include:
- Moses and Jesus: Just as Moses led Israel out of Egypt, Jesus (and later, his disciples) lead the people into a new covenant.
- Elijah and Elisha → Jesus and the Apostles: Elijah passed his prophetic spirit to Elisha, just as Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to his followers (Acts 1:8).
- Pentecost and the Tower of Babel: At Babel, languages divided humanity (Genesis 11), but at Pentecost (Acts 2), the Holy Spirit unites people of different tongues.
By using the Septuagint as a hypotext, Luke presents the spread of Christianity as a continuation of God’s work in history, fulfilling the promises of the Jewish Scriptures.
4. Eyewitness Accounts and Oral Traditions as Hypotexts
Acts contains first-person “we” passages, such as in Acts 16:10-17, Acts 20:5-15, and Acts 27:1-37. These suggest that Luke may have drawn from eyewitness accounts or his own personal experiences while accompanying Paul on his missionary journeys.
4.1. The Use of Oral Traditions in Acts
Before Acts was written, Christian communities preserved their history through oral storytelling. Luke may have relied on:
- Apostolic testimonies from Peter, John, and Paul.
- Church traditions about the early Christian community in Jerusalem.
- Accounts from early Christian martyrs, such as Stephen (Acts 7).
By incorporating eyewitness testimonies and oral traditions, Acts provides a historical and theological interpretation of early Christianity’s expansion, blending memory with narrative craftsmanship.
5. Greco-Roman Historiography as a Hypotext for Acts
Luke’s writing style in Acts shows familiarity with Greco-Roman historical writing, suggesting that he may have used classical historical works as a hypotext.
5.1. How Acts Resembles Greek and Roman Histories
Luke follows conventions found in historians like Thucydides and Polybius, including:
- Speeches inserted into the narrative (e.g., Peter’s speech in Acts 2, Paul’s defense in Acts 22).
- Dramatic storytelling and travel narratives, mirroring the structure of Roman histories.
- Emphasis on divine providence guiding historical events.
By adopting historical techniques from Greco-Roman sources, Luke presents Acts as a legitimate historical record, appealing to both Jewish and Gentile audiences.
Conclusion: Luke’s Hypotexts and the Shaping of Acts
The composition of Acts was not an isolated effort but rather a carefully crafted work drawing from multiple hypotexts. Luke appears to have built his narrative using:
- The Gospel of Luke, ensuring thematic and narrative continuity.
- The Septuagint (Greek Old Testament), demonstrating how the early Church fulfills biblical prophecy.
- Eyewitness accounts and oral traditions, adding historical credibility.
- Greco-Roman historiography, framing Christianity’s expansion as a world-altering event.
By understanding Luke’s hypotexts, we gain a deeper appreciation for how he constructed Acts—not just as history, but as a theological narrative reinforcing God’s ongoing work through the early Church. The interplay of Jewish traditions, classical historical methods, and Christian testimony makes Acts one of the most significant works in biblical literature.
