By What Authority?

“In his new book on the Gospel of Luke, Jerome Neyrey integrates his expertise in both social scientific and rhetorical analysis. Neyrey offers a close reading of Luke 1–4, arguing that even before Jesus began teaching in the synagogue in chapter 4, Luke had ‘groomed’ the audience to be receptive to Jesus as a public speaker. This engaging book is clear evidence for the value of attention to culture and rhetoric when approaching ancient Mediterranean texts.”


—Alicia J. Batten, Conrad Grebel University College, University of Waterloo, Ontario





“Using the tools of social-science exegesis, at which he is a proven master, Neyrey presents the divine Sender of Senders who speaks the message that is Jesus, by carefully building his authority to speak publicly and to teach. Neyrey shows how Luke’s presumed rhetorical training enables him to portray the authority of Jesus beyond question. This is a welcome addition to new ways of understanding the Third Gospel.”


—Carolyn Osiek, Brite Divinity School





“Jerome H. Neyrey is incomparable as a teacher to new and advanced students of the New Testament. In a unique way, he weaves together insights from ancient rhetoric and modern anthropology to illuminate Luke’s presentation of Jesus as a public teacher. If you have not read any of Neyrey’s many books on the New Testament in light of social sciences and classical traditions, this is the one to read!”


—Halvor Moxnes, University of Oslo





“Jerome Neyrey has once again produced a volume that stands on its own as a primer on social scientific and rhetorical approaches to the text that is worth imitating. In this erudite assessment of Luke’s mastery of rhetoric, Neyrey discloses how the Evangelist convincingly construes Jesus as a properly socialized and culturally ascribed authoritative public speaker deserving attention. By What Authority? is an insightful and eye-opening contribution to Lukan scholarship by a master exegete.”


—John W. Daniels Jr., Flagler College





“In a book that is both accessible for undergraduate students and from which seasoned biblical scholars might learn, Jerry Neyrey weaves together modern communications theory, ancient rhetorical practices and manuals, and social-scientific models to show how Luke constructed an ethos for Jesus to explain why he is entitled public voice in the gospel.”


—Eric Stewart, Augustana College





“In this volume, Jerome Neyrey asks a big, new question of Luke 1–4: How does the evangelist present Jesus as authorized to speak in public, as he later does throughout the gospel? Neyrey’s answer integrates modern communication theory, ancient rhetoric, and a strong grasp on ancient Mediterranean culture, and is expressed in the elegant style typical of all his work. This is a significant contribution to Lucan research.”


—Philip Esler, University of Gloucestershire





“In By What Authority? Professor Jerome H. Neyrey, SJ, has written a truly fine volume that not only provides his reader with a clear understanding of the social science and rhetorical methodologies, but justifies Luke's right to write about what one needs to know about Jesus. Without Neyrey helpfully pointing out the evidence for this, the ordinary reader might not realize how Luke achieves it. Neyrey is insightful and gives us a deeper understanding and appreciation of Luke's thought and literary skills.”


—Robert F. O'Toole, SJ, Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome