The Growing of Christ: Understanding Luke 2:40, 52 in the Light of the Structural Pattern of Luke—Acts

Abstract

Jesus' growth in Luke 2:40, 52 has been interpreted as personal growth only. However,
in the context of the structural pattern of Luke-Acts, those references to Jesus'
growth should be seen as part of a series, a growth pattern that characterizes the birth
of John the Baptist, the birth of Jesus, Jesus' childhood, Jesus' ministry, the continuation
of his ministry by his disciples after his ascension, and the growth of the early
church. The way Luke closes the Book of Acts indicates an expectation for the continuous
growth of Christianity. A Christian child or individual should be taught to
grow according to this missiological pattern of church growth.

Key Words: Jesus' growth, unity of Luke-Acts, mission, church growth