A Guide to New Testament Rhetorical Questions

Rhetorical questions occur frequently in the New Testament and are very diverse. Indeed, I have identified approximately 700 rhetorical questions in the New Testament and I have divided them into twelve different types with numerous subtypes and some rhetorical questions still defy classification. I have a rather simple and broad definition of a rhetorical question. From my perspective a rhetorical question is any question that is asked for rhetorical effect. This definition includes questions that do seek to elicit information as long as the primary purpose of the question is rhetorical impact. Since rhetorical questions are asked for rhetorical impact they normally do have some sort of emphasis. Discerning the nature of the impact of rhetorical questions is not always easy. My approach to the study of the rhetorical questions in the New Testament in this guide is rather simple. I identify and explain simply the different types of rhetorical questions that I have found in the New Testament and provide examples of how they are used for rhetorical effect. I then survey the use of rhetorical questions in the Synoptic Gospels, the Gospel of John, the Book of Acts, the Epistles of Paul, the Epistles of Others, and the Book of Revelation. It is my earnest desire that you will benefit from my study of rhetorical questions and how they are used for effect and employ it productively in your interpretation of the New Testament.