Chiasm in Luke 3:1-7:35
There appears to be a chiastic structure at work in Luke 3:1-7:35. Not everything fits, but there is enough to be suggestive:
A. Ministry of John, 3:1-17 B. Jesus preaching and teaching in Nazareth, 4:16-30
(1. Quotes Is 61 2. Refers to Elijah’s aid to a widow and her son 3. Refers to Elisha’s aid to Naaman)
C. Calling of disciples, 5:1-11 D. Cleansing of leper/healing of paralytic (Pharisees present and in opposition), 5:12-26 E. Meal at Levi’s house, 5:27-39 D’. Healing of withered arm on sabbath (Pharisees present and in opposition), 6:6-11 C’. Calling of 12, 6:12-16 B’. Jesus preaches on the plain, 6:17-7:23
(1. Followed by healing of a centurion - parallels Naaman 2. Followed by raising a widow’s son - parallels the Sidonian widow 3. Followed by inquiry from John, which includes quotation from Is 61)
A’. Jesus discusses John’s ministry, 7:24-35
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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