For many years Luke-Acts has been studied as a work of history and theology. The Trial of the Gospel sets out to examine Luke's writings as an apologetic work, by focussing on those parts of Luke's story where the aplogetic overtones seem most prominent- the trial narratives. By analysing the trials of all major Lukan characters- Jesus, Peter, Stephen and Paul- Alexandru Neagoe argues that the narratives are best undertood when viewed as part of Luke's apologia pro evangelio, a purpose which is in keeping with the author's declared aim to give his readers 'assurance' about the 'matters' in with they have been instructed (Luke 1:4). Neagoe concludes that the specific role of the trial naarratives is to provide the framework within which important tenets of the Christian faith are themselves put 'on trial' before the reader, with the intended result of the gospel's confirmation.
