The Seams and Summaries of Luke and of Acts

Abstract

Differences of style between the seams and summaries of Luke and those of Acts have been detected by Patricia Walters (2009). Using the same method (chi-square), but different criteria, still shows significant differences. Dividing her samples and re-testing them reaches very similar results. A third test, this time multivariate (using 30 criteria and including more of Luke and Acts), again shows up a noticeable divergence between the two sets of seams and summaries. A fourth test adds samples from Mark, Dionysius and others. The primary contrast places Mark well to the left and Dionysius well to the right. Samples from Luke are nearer Mark, those of Acts nearer Dionysius. The seams and summaries of Luke are again noticeably distant from those of Acts, the latter being very near to samples from Dionysius. These results support the case made by Walters for serious divergence between these presumably more editorial sections of Luke and Acts.