The waiting of Parousia: aspects of Lukan Eschatology (Luke 17:20-37)

Abstract

The Gospel of Luke reveals an important aspect, namely, the combination of history and eschatology. Therefore, many scholars have discussed whether Luke is more a historian rather than a theologian or vice versa. In his historical and eschatological discourse, the evangelist talks about the Parousia. The coming of the Son of Man at the end of time is a certainty and people have to prepare for his arrival.In this paper I aim to describe the attitude of the members of Lucan communities towards the second coming of the Son of Man having Luke 17 as a starting point. Firstly, I intend to evaluate the text of Luke 17:20-37 from a literary point of view, followed by a synoptic comparison to Matthew 24:36-44 in order to better underline Luke’s theological orientation. The final step involves a series of theological (eschatological) insights: the unexpected second arrival of Christ and the necessity of an orientation towards everlasting life.All of the images within the text of Luke 17:20-37 have an exhortatory intent: faith must always remain strong. And Christians should be faithful and vigilant at all times. This vigilance and the orientation towards the everlasting realities are important paths to salvation.