New Testament Rhetoric, Second Edition

An Introductory Guide to the Art of Persuasion in and of the New Testament

Ben Witherington III, Jason A. Myers

• Publisher: Cascade Books
• Year: 2022
• Print ISBN: 9781532689680, 9781532689697
• eBook ISBN: 9781532689703
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Biblical Criticism & Interpretation

Witherington and Myers provide a much-needed introduction to the ancient art of persuasion and its use within the various New Testament documents. More than just an exploration of the use of the ancient rhetorical tools and devices, this guide introduces the reader to all that went into convincing an audience about some subject. Witherington and Myers make the case that rhetorical criticism is a more fruitful approach to the NT epistles than the oft-employed approaches of literary and discourse criticism. Familiarity with the art of rhetoric also helps the reader explore non-epistolary genres. In addition to the general introduction to rhetorical criticism, the book guides readers through the many and varied uses of rhetoric in most NT documents--not only telling readers about rhetoric in the NT, but showing them the way it was employed."This brief guide book is intended to provide the reader with an entrance into understanding the rhetorical analysis of various parts of the NT, the value such studies bring for understanding what is being proclaimed and defended in the NT, and how Christ is presented in ways that would be considered persuasive in antiquity." - from the introduction

Table of contents

• Title Page
• Preface to the First Edition
• Preface to the Second Edition
• Chapter 1: The Oral Cultures of the Biblical World
• Chapter 2: Defining and Refining the Craft of Persuasion
• Chapter 3: Gospels of Persuasion—Mark and Luke
• Chapter 4: Early Christian Homilies
• Chapter 5: Paul, the Rhetor and Writer
• Chapter 6: The Rhetoric of 1 Corinthians and Romans
• Chapter 7: Captivating Rhetoric
• Chapter 8: The Elementary Rhetoric of the Pastorals
• Chapter 9: The Rhetoric of the “Catholic” Epistles—Part 1
• Chapter 10: The Rhetoric of the “Catholic” Epistles—Part 2
• Chapter 11: The Rhetoric of Revelation
• Chapter 12: The Difference Rhetoric Makes to NT Interpretation
• Postscript
• Appendix 1: The Elementary Exercises
• Appendix 2: An Unapologetic Apologetic about the Importance of Greco-Roman Rhetoric for Understanding the Text and Context of the NT
• Annotated Bibliography (1st Edition)
• Annotated Bibliography on Rhetoric from 2008–2020
• Works Cited