Those who have read the Bible may be familiar with the Book of Acts. However, most are probably unaware of the rhetoric within it.
The Book of Acts is where rhetorical analysis makes a large contribution to understanding what is happening. This portion of the Bible is the second part of Luke's historical writing, which consists of over one third of speeches, conversations, debates and legal proceedings. The Book of Acts also demonstrates the incredible skill of Luke; he captures the difference in form and style of the speeches, depending on speaker, audience, and context. For example, Luke 1-2 and Acts 2 are very different from Paul's speech in Acts 17. However, even though the two are not alike, they both demonstrate remarkable rhetoric skill and sophistication.
This hidden rhetoric within the Bible is very useful within our lives; they model adaptability within the use of media to share and publish the story of Jesus. Therefore, this clever use of rhetoric can save our lives, so listen to Jesus and always look for rhetoric while reading! :)
I really like how you talked about something so well known, yet many people probably do not know about the rhetoric hidden in it. It makes sense that it is shown in the part that is mostly speeches because they have to use rhetoric to grab their audience's attention. It is very interesting that even though both Luke and Paul are giving speeches they use different rhetoric skill and sophistication.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up going to only catholic schools our English classes did extensively study the Bible and some of the most interesting things to me from the Bible is the fact that tenses would frequently switch from first to third half way through each book.
ReplyDeleteThis shows that even in the most important of all books, rhetoric is still used. I will have to pay more attention the next time a bible is being read around me and look for the rhetoric in it.
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