Failure and Prospect : Lazarus and the Rich Man (Luke 16:19-31) in the Context of Luke-Acts Paperback / softback

by Rev. Dr. Reuben (Mount Nasura Free Reformed Church, Australia) Bredenhof

Part of the The Library of New Testament Studies series

Paperback / softback

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Description

Bredenhof analyses the parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man (Luke 16:19-31) by examining its functions as a narrative, considering its persuasiveness as a rhetorical unit, and situating it within a Graeco-Roman and Jewish intertextual conversation on the themes of wealth and poverty, and authoritative revelation.

The parable portrays the consequences of the rich manâ€™s failure to respond to the suffering of Lazarus.

Bredenhof argues that the parable offers its audience a prospect for alternative outcomes, in response both to poverty and to a person who has risen from the dead. This prospect is particularly evident when the parable is read in anticipation of the ethical and theological concerns of Lukeâ€™s second volume in Acts.

Bredenhof asserts that reading within the context of Luke-Acts contributes to the understanding of Lukeâ€™s purposes with this narrative.

It is in Acts that his audience witnesses the parableâ€™s message about mercy being applied through charitable initiatives in the community of believers, while the Acts accounts of preaching and teaching demonstrate that a true reading of â€œMoses and the prophetsâ€ is inseparably joined to the believing acceptance of one risen from the dead.

Through a re-reading of Luke 16:19-31 in its Luke-Acts context, its message is amplified and commended to the parableâ€™s audience for their response.