Pre-Order A Bird's Eye-View of Luke-Acts

Big announcement, after 15 years of preparation, delays, writing, and re-writing, this is coming out!

Releasing on 21 Nov 23 and NOW ready for pre-order!

A Bird's-Eye View of Luke and Acts: Context, Story, and Themes

What do the books of Luke and Acts teach us about God, Jesus, and the early church? How do these two books relate to each other? And what do they mean for us today?

In this accessible and compelling introduction, Michael Bird draws us into the wide-ranging narrative of Luke-Acts to discover how Luke frames the life of Jesus and of the first disciples who set out from Jerusalem to "the ends of the earth" proclaiming the Good News. Bird shows us how these two books, when read together, tell a cohesive narrative about Jesus, the Church, and the mission of God—with implications for the whole of our lives today. Situating both books in their historical and literary context, Bird moves through an exploration of their central theological themes and culminates with consideration of the books' relevance for contemporary social issues.

Some endorsements

"Mike Bird has opened the door wide to everyone wanting an entry into the world of Luke–Acts. Those reading Luke's two-part narrative will find themselves enriched by the way Bird follows Luke's story and attends to its themes. But he also follows the twists and turns of Lukan scholarship—discussing big ideas and principal controversies, as well as naming some key voices in contemporary study. What more could we ask for in an introduction to Luke–Acts?"

Joel B. Green, senior professor of New Testament interpretation at Fuller Theological Seminary

"Luke and Acts compose 28 percent of the New Testament. Bird is a reliable guide to the various issues and themes that arise in Luke. He carefully navigates nuanced debates while writing a brief but memorable overview. Students, pastors, and professors will be helped by this overview."

Patrick Schreiner, professor and author of Acts: The Christian Standard Commentary

"Michael Bird has the rare talent of communicating dense and often stodgy academic issues in an exuberant spirit and user-friendly fashion. Underlying the amiable tenor is expert knowledge derived from years of research and rumination. He has provided a much-needed service to the urgent need of the church (laity and leadership) to know more intimately the Word of God."

M. Sydney Park, Beeson Divinity School