Carolina QuotesIn contrast to modern historiography, the ancients were much less concerned with (1) chronological precision; (2) exhaustive or comprehensive accounts; (3) value-free commentary; (4) ascribing all events to purely natural causes; (5) the avoidance of rhetorical devices and effects. Indeed, almost all good ancient historians would expect these five features to regularly characterize their works. Ancient historiography was a rhetorical exercise to some extent, and it was undertaken to persuade someone about something. History was not discoursed on for its own sake. It is not a surprise that Luke's rhetorical skills are most in evidence in the speech material and in his famous prologue (Luke 1:1- 4). Otherwise, he is rather constrained by the narratives he found in his source material.
Ben Witherington III Carolinian
Source
Prolegomenon
- work
- New Testament History : A Narrative Account (2001)
- year
- 2001
Cite this record
“In contrast to modern historiography, the ancients were much…” Ben Witherington III. Carolina Quotes, record CQ-D6BFABBD31. https://carolinaquotes.com/quote/d6bfabbd31
More from Ben Witherington III
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