The True Identity of the People of the Way: The Referent and Function of "The Way" in Acts

The True Identity of the People of the Way demonstrates that Luke alludes to the book of Proverbs when Luke, in Acts 9 and following, calls the Church ＂the Way.＂ Consequently, this study shows that Luke identifies the people of the Way as followers of the one and true God depicted in Proverbs. Within Acts, Luke’s claim was likely shocking to the Jewish people, which relates directly to the function of ＂the Way.＂ This fresh perspective on ＂the way＂ metaphor in Acts provides a more natural and fitting referent than previous proposals and finds its function as a polemic between Jesus’ followers and others. This research identified allusions and motifs in literature to determine that Luke uses ＂the way＂ metaphor to describe Christ’s followers. The study first shows the need for research concerning Luke’s motive or referent for calling the Church ＂the Way.＂ Second, the study examines the probability of Proverbs’ influence on Luke. Third, the study provides an in-depth analysis of ＂the way＂ metaphor in Acts, concluding that Proverbs is the referent of ＂the Way＂ when referring to the Church.

Ross D. Harmon is adjunct professor at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He serves as the book review editor for the Journal of Biblical and Theological Studies. He is the Iowa State Director for Capitol Ministries. He has presented at various conferences and serves in other ministries, including his home church, Cornerstone Church of Ames.