Chiasms in Luke 12

Peter J. Leithart, November 03, 2003

There are a couple of fairly clear chiasms in Luke 12:

Verses 1-12 work out this way:

A. Leaven of Pharisees, v 1
B. Hidden will be revealed, vv 2-3
C. Do not fear those who kill body, v 4
D. Fear the one who has authority to cast into hell, v 5
C'. Do not fear: hairs and sparrows, vv 6-7
B'. Confession and denial before men, vv 8-10
A'. Attack in synagogues, vv 11-12

There are a couple of important implications to this structure. First, the link of B and B' indicates what kind of "hidden" things are being talked about. Jesus is saying that whatever the disciples have confessed in private will be forced into public by persecution, or that their private denials will be made public. Second, the framing by references to Pharisees and synagogues makes it clear that the persecution in view is going to come from Jews. Finally, the center shows that the answer to the fear of men is a right fear of God, which is manifested in bold witness before men.

Verses 22-40 fall out this way:

A. Do not be anxious (food and clothing), vv 22-23
B. Ravens (food), vv 24-26
C. Lilies (clothing), vv 27-28
B'. Do not seek what you eat (like Gentiles), v 29-30
A'. Seek kingdom by giving charitably, vv 31-34

This is a bit more iffy.