Transformationen des Heils

The narrative of the Book of Acts is shaped by the disciples' miracles. In modern exegesis, this view is dealt with in different ways: it is defended, criticised, relativised in importance, treated as ideologically strategic, placed within a religious-historical context, it is above all regarded as a serious theological problem. Much in contrast, this article draws attention to the meaning of this motif within the narrative itself. The miracles performed by Jesus's witnesses function as a window into the Lukan image of both God and the human being. With a dash of humour, the miracles draw on mythical motifs to engage in a criticism of myth! They reflect salvation and represent the Christ event in a real-symbolic way. Thus, in terms of their hermeneutical function, they do not relativise the Gospel, but rather give expression to its cross-cultural impact.