CONTENTS: Foreword Acknowledgements Chapter 1: Preliminary Investigation of the Text 1. Introduction 2. Delimitation of the Text (Luke 1-2; Acts 1-2) 3. Context of the Text 4. The Relation of the Pericopes to the Rest of the Gospel and Acts 5. Lukan Agenda for the Rest of the Gospel and Acts 6. Conclusion Chapter 2: Structure and Dynamics of the Two Text Units (Luke 1-2 and Acts 1-2) 1. Introduction 2. The Birth of the Messiah (Luke 1-2) 3. The Agreements and Differences between Matthew and Luke 4. The Birth of the Church (Acts 1-2) Chapter 3: Exegetical Study of the Text (Luke 1:26-38) 1. Introduction 2. The Meeting and Greeting 3. The Message 4. The Perplexity 5. The Reassurance 6. The Submission Chapter 4: Exegetical Study of the Text (Acts 2:1-13) 1. The Gathering 2. The Spectacle 3. The Aftermath 4. The Crowd Reaction 5. Conclusion Chapter 5: Theological Interpretation and Anticipatory Elements 1. Introduction 2. Anticipatory Elements in the Narration 3. Anticipatory Elements – Church’s Mission 4. Anticipatory Elements - Lukan Understanding of the Spirit 5. Journeying Forward – Images of the Church that the Study Reveals 6. Conclusion General Conclusion Abbreviations Bibliography Dr. Stephen Henry Cosman is the Professor of Scripture and Biblical languages at the faculty of Theology, St. Paul’s Seminary, Trichy. He did his licentiate on Scripture at Biblicum, Rome and his doctoral studies at Jnana Deepa Institute, Pune.