Abstract
This thesis examines the role of dreams and visions in the Acts of the Apostles, with a focus on the characterisation of the human recipients of these divine encounters. The book of Acts presents dreams and visions as crucial moments of divine-human interaction that direct, affirm, and transform key figures within the unfolding mission of the gospel, whilst also providing guidance and direction. While often overlooked in contemporary theological discourse due to their otherworldly nature, these encounters are important to Luke’s narrative strategy.
Drawing on Cornelis Bennema’s ‘Theory of Character in the New Testament’, this thesis examines how Luke employs dreams and visions to portray character development, spiritual transformation, and readiness for mission. It argues that these divine encounters are deliberately crafted to suit each character’s narrative role, spiritual journey, and identity. Dreams and visions not only serve as turning points for individual characters, such as Stephen, Peter, and Paul, but also as guides to the Church’s geographical and ideological expansion from Jerusalem to Rome.
The analysis shows that Luke uses both the content and the surrounding narrative context of each dream or vision to construct and develop character identity and role. Characters such as Peter, Philip, Paul, and Ananias are shaped by their responses to divine communication, and their progression mirrors the Church’s transition from a small group to a global movement. Furthermore, a distinction exists between recipients of dreams and visions, with some being prepared for their experiences and others being unprepared for them. These include individuals guided by the Spirit, such as the church in Antioch or Paul’s group travelling to Macedonia. Sometimes these revelations come unexpectedly, such as Paul’s divine encounter on the road to Damascus marked with ἐξαίφνης (suddenly) or Peter’s ἔκστασις (trance) experience of unclean animals. The openness or resistance of the characters to divine guidance becomes a tool that prepares readers for reflection and spiritual engagement.
Focusing on human characterisation in the dream and vision accounts provides readers with a window into understanding divine encounters in Acts. It shows that Luke does not simply document divine intervention. Instead, he uses the characters’ experiences to invite readers into their own posture of discernment and transformation. The thesis seeks to contribute to a deeper literary and theological understanding of divine communication in the narrative of Acts, reaffirming the relevance of dreams and visions for readers of Scripture.