The Rhetoric of Interruption : Speech-Making, Turn-Taking, and Rule-Breaking in Luke-Acts and Ancient Greek Narrative

Why are so many speakers interrupted in Luke and in Acts? For nearly a century, scholars have noted the presence of interrupted speech in the Acts of the Apostles, but explanations of its function have been limited and often contradictory. A more effective approach involves grounding the analysis of Luke-Acts within a larger understanding of how interruption functions in a wide variety of literary settings. An extensive survey of ancient Greek narratives (epics, histories, and novels) reveals the forms, frequency, and functions of interruption in Greek authors who lived and wrote between the eighth-century B.C.E. and the second-century C.E. This comparative study suggests that the frequent interruptions of Jesus and his followers in Luke 4:28; Acts 4:1; 7:54–57; 13:48; etc., are designed both to highlight the pivotal closing words of the discourses and to draw attention to the ways in which the early Christian gospel was received. In the end, the interrupted discourses are best understood not as historical accidents, but as rhetorical exclamation points intended to highlight key elements of the early Christian message and their varied reception by Jews and Gentiles. In the Gospel according to Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, speakers are often interrupted by emotional audiences (Luke 4:28; Acts 4:1; 7:54-57; 13:48; etc.). A comparative study of other Greek authors, from Homer to Josephus, reveals the high frequency and unique form of interruption in Luke's two volumes. Intentional interruption functions rhetorically to underscore the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the availability of salvation to the Gentiles, thus illuminating both Lukan theology and literary technique. Daniel Lynwood Smith, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA In the Gospel according to Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, speakers are often interrupted by emotional audiences (Luke 4:28; Acts 4:1; 7:54 57; 13:48; etc.). A comparative study of other Greek authors, from Homer to Josephus, reveals the high frequency and unique form of interruption in Luke s two volumes. Intentional interruption functions rhetorically to underscore the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the availability of salvation to the Gentiles, thus illuminating both Lukan theology and literary technique. " Interruption And Rhetoric In Ancient Greek Literature -- Interrupted Speech In Greek Historiography : From Homer To Appian -- Interrupted Speech In Jewish Historiography : From Job To Josephus -- Interrupted Speech In Greek Novels -- The Overlooked Interruptions Of The Gospel According To Luke -- Interrupted Speech In The Acts Of The Apostles -- Conclusions. Daniel Lynwood Smith. Revision Of The Author's Thesis (ph. D.)--university Of Notre Dame, 2011. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [300]-312) And Indexes.