Chapter 104 of 404

Historical Perspectives, Tendenz, and Purpose

We have noted that most ancient historiography involved both an interest in information and an interest in pleasing rhetorical presentation. In histories, however, rhetorical presentation was meant not merely to entertain, but also to convey particular perspectives.¹⁰³ All historians, ancient and modern, write from some systems of values and perspectives, whether these systems reflect the larger culture, conventions of their guild, minority values, or idiosyncratic perspectives. ¹⁰⁴ More than most historians today, ancient historians generally also wrote for cultural or moral edification (which often included nationalistic themes).

Just as most historical writers today also have particular interests (say, women’s history; African-American history; modern military history; and so forth),¹⁰⁵ ancient historians could write with moral or political agendas. An ancient historical monograph (relevant to Luke-Acts) would normally include an even more particular focus.

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