ABSTRACT
The writers of the canonical gospels seek to persuade. They try to convince readers of the truth of the story of Jesus. Analysis of the strategies used by gospel writers to craft persuasive stories has most often been done at the literary level. This chapter begins with the 'social location' of the Jesus story in Mark. The overwhelming importance of social stratification in ancient Mediterranean societies makes the issue of stratification an ideal choice to meet our needs. The urban non-elite or poor plays a very minor role in Mark's story. The story remains substantially one of Jesus' ministry to the poor of the rural areas along with his conflict with the urban elite or their retainers. Concern for the honor of Jesus had significant implications for the rhetorical strategies of Matthew and Luke. The many conversations of Jesus in John's Gospel are being used as part of his accommodation strategy. They help sustain personal relations within the Johannine community.
