The Peri Parrhesias of Philodemus of Gadara and parrhesia in the Acts of the Apostles

The Peri Parrhêsias treatise (PHerc. 1471) of Philodemus of Gadara represents a major source for the comprehension of Epicurean parrhêsia. When comparing the manner in which Luke employs parrhêsia with that of Philodemus, it is apparent that the former relies on the latter, all of the Philodemus themes being present in practically all of the Lucan pericopae. However, Luke adapts the parrhêsia to his own narrative project, all while giving it a strategic role in describing the expansion of the Gospel unto the ends of the Earth. The thesis treats all Lucanian pericopes containing παρρησία or παρρησιάσομαι. As an example, we highlight on Acts 9,27.28.