Rikkyo University, Tokyo
The Narrative Rhetoric of Fear in Acts
This presentation will consider the rhetorical role of fear in the narrative of Acts. Following a discussion of the role of fear in rhetorical theory, beginning with Aristotle, Rhetoric 2.1.8; 2.5.1–15, the presentation will analyze six episodes in Acts (5:1–11; 9:1–19; 12:20–24; 13:6–12; 16:16–18; 19:13–20) in which either fear is explicitly mentioned or in which narrative events occur that match Aristotle’s description of what induces fear. These six episodes, five of which occur at high points in the narrative of Acts and four of which employ ekphrasis to heighten their rhetorical effect, collectively portray God as imminent, destructive, and powerful, in accordance with Aristotle’s description of those who are feared.
This presentation will argue that the rhetorical effect of fear in these episodes is threefold. First, those among the audience of Acts who are like the characters who have suffered harm in the narrative, whether through corrupting the community from within, directly opposing it, or engaging with spirits in the Greco-Roman world without following the Way of Jesus, are urged to be afraid. Second, others within the community of the Way are cautioned against straying from it in the manner of the characters in the narrative. Third, for those outside the community of the Way, these episodes form an ominous combination with the ending of Acts. Paul speaks the word in Rome “unhindered.” The seemingly non-conclusiveness of this ending heightens its effect. What has been narrated concerning the progress of the word of Jesus will continue, and those who would get in its way must be afraid.