Academic Periodical

Three possible identifications of Jesus (9:7b–8) come up in the pericope discussed in this paper: he is supposed to be John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the ancient prophets. These identifications deal with the prophetic element as well as with the possibility of a prophet redivivus and an otherworldly appearance. This article will argue that all these public opinions about Jesus reflect specific Jewish views on the individual’s afterlife that were widespread in the time Luke wrote his texts. This article analyzes several Jewish traditions that may form the background of the identifications mentioned and discovers possible connections with other passages from Luke’s writings which reveal Lucan own views on the afterlife.