Ethical Rhetoric and Divine Power: Reflections on Matthew 10:17–20 (and Parallels)

Appearing four times in the Synoptics, Jesus' warning to his disciples that they will be coerced into a witness involves a command not to worry about what to say and a promise of divine assistance. This is direct instruction about rhetorical practice, yet few scholars have made explicit the connection between Jesus' logion and the broader range of Christian strategic communication. By considering the communication assumptions embedded in Jesus' command and promise, I uncover how time and power can serve as coordinates for an ethic of Christian rhetoric. These directly affect how a disciple is to conceptualize normatively the strategic preparation and presentation of the gospel.