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

by Ben Witherington III

Publisher:

Cascade

, 2009

Overview

This much-needed introduction to the ancient art of persuasion as it is used in the New Testament doesn’t only explore the use of rhetorical tools and devices, it introduces everything ancient speakers and writers used to convince their audiences. New Testament scholar Ben Witherington argues that rhetorical criticism is a more fruitful approach to the New Testament epistles than literary and discourse criticism. He guides readers through the varied uses of rhetoric throughout the New Testament, showing them how writers used rhetorical tools to convince their readers and listeners of the Christian message.

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Key Features

• Explores the use of rhetoric in the New Testament
• Argues for the superiority of rhetorical criticism over literary and source criticism
• Guides readers through specific uses of rhetoric throughout the New Testament

Contents

• The Oral Cultures of the Biblical World
• Defining and Refining the Craft of Persuasion
• Gospels of Persuasion: Mark and Luke
• Early Christian Homilies: the Rhetorical Speech Summaries in Acts
• Paul the Rhetor and Writer
• The Elementary Rhetoric of the Pastorals
• The Rhetoric of the General Epistles
• The Difference Rhetoric Makes to NT Interpretation
• Postscript: The Rhetoric of Preaching and the Preaching of Rhetoric

Praise for the Print Edition

This will surely become the choice resource . . . for a main text in courses in rhetorical criticism.

—David A. deSilva, Trustees Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Greek, Ashland Theological Seminary

Witherington has provided a helpful . . . primer. His easy familiarity with the ancient sources makes this an especially user-friendly introduction to the importance of ancient rhetoric for historical study of the New Testament.

—Joel B. Green, professor of New Testament Interpretation, Fuller Theological Seminary

For those who want to add rhetorical analysis to their interpretation of the New Testament, Ben Witherington provides easy access to a not easily accessible subject.

—Duane Watson, professor of New Testament studies, School of Theology, Malone College

Anyone who is interested in the contours of early Christian discourse or would like to be able to preach and teach as persuasively as the biblical authors will find this volume highly informative and immensely helpful.

—Michael Bird, tutor in New Testament, Highland Theological College

Product Details

• Title: New Testament Rhetoric: An Introductory Guide to the Art of Persuasion in and of the New Testament
• Author: Ben Witherington
• Publisher: Cascade Books
• Publication Date: 2009
• Pages: 284
• Christian Group: Evangelical
• Resource Type: Introduction
• Topic: Rhetorical Criticism

About Ben Witherington III

Bible scholar Dr. Ben Witherington is considered one of the top evangelical scholars in the world, and is an elected member of the prestigious Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas (SNTS), a society dedicated to New Testament studies.

Dr. Witherington is the Amos Professor of New Testament for Doctoral Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary, and on the doctoral faculty at St. Andrews University in Scotland. A graduate of UNC, Chapel Hill, he went on to receive his MDiv from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and his PhD from the University of Durham in England. Dr. Witherington has also taught at Ashland Theological Seminary, Vanderbilt University, Duke Divinity School, and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. A popular lecturer, Dr. Witherington has presented seminars for churches, colleges, and biblical meetings—not only in the United States, but also in England, Estonia, Russia, Europe, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Australia. He’s also led tours to Italy, Greece, Turkey, Israel, Jordan, and Egypt.

Dr. Witherington has written over 40 books, including The Jesus Quest and The Paul Quest, both of which were selected as top biblical-studies works by Christianity Today. He also writes for many church and scholarly publications, and is a frequent contributor to the Patheos website.

Along with many interviews on radio networks across the country, Dr. Witherington has been seen on the History Channel, NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, the Discovery Channel, A&E, and the PAX network.

Reviews