Reading Luke 12:13-34 as an elaboration of a chreia:: How hermogenes of tarsus sheds light on Luke's gospel

This article argues that the logic and mode of argumentation of Luke 12:13-34 are illuminated when one reads the pericope as an elaboration of a chreia, or saying, of Jesus concerning covetousness. Specifically, this passage contains all of the elements-including rationale, contrary statement, analogy from nature, historical example, and authoritative judgment-that are outlined in a progymnastic exercise attributed to the second century C.E. rhetorician Hermogenes of Tarsus. Taken together, these elements make up what classical rhetoricians called a "complete argument." This study serves as a complement to the earlier analysis of Luke 12:1334 by Abraham J. Malherbe in Novum Testamentum that focused on the topos on greed.