Feasting and Social Rhetoric in Luke 14

This study examines the Pharisaic dinner episode in Luke 14, revealing how Feasting and Social Rhetoric in Luke 14 reflects social and ideological transformations in early Christianity.

In Feasting and Social Rhetoric in Luke 14, Willi Braun provides a deep and insightful analysis of the Pharisaic dinner episode found in the Gospel of Luke. This 1995 study explores how the gospel writers, particularly Luke, utilized inherited traditions about Jesus to shape the ideological and social frameworks of early Christian communities. Braun argues that the narrative serves not only as a recounting of events but as a deliberate rhetorical strategy aimed at influencing the values and behaviors of its audience.

The author highlights Luke's approach as distinctly Hellenistic, employing established narrative techniques and character portrayals to depict Jesus as a dinner sage. By examining the conventions of Greco-Roman banquets, Braun illustrates how these social gatherings were more than mere meals; they were platforms for moral and ethical discourse. The Pharisaic dinner episode is presented as a carefully constructed rhetorical unit, with Jesus advocating for a reformation of character among the wealthy urban elite, who are depicted as needing significant transformation to align with the ideals of the emerging Christian society.

Ultimately, Feasting and Social Rhetoric in Luke 14 sheds light on the interplay between social norms and religious teachings in the early church. Braun's work encourages readers to consider how the gospel narratives were shaped by their cultural contexts, revealing the underlying motivations of the gospel writers in their portrayal of Jesus and his teachings. This study is a valuable contribution to the understanding of early Christian rhetoric and social dynamics.