Resumen de Qüestions sobre la doble obra lucana, IV. Lc 10, 25-18, 30: Una perfecta estructura concèntrica dins la secció del viatge (9, 51-19,46)
The Central Section of St. Luke's Gospel, commonly called the Lucan Journey, contains within it a curious literary pattern. This paper starts by setting out the beginning, which is accepted by al1 authors, and the end of the Section, which is rnuch controverted (Lk. 951-19:46). Then follows a detailed study of the arrangement of the inner part (10:25-18:30). Luke has constructed it in the form of a perfectly Chiastic Structure. The chiasmus intersects with Jesus' lament over Jerusalem which acts as the axis about which the two arms of a spiral revolve. A number of authors have noted this structure and described it in general terms. Nevertheless, the demarcation of the various sequences, comprising the rising arm (10:25 to 13:30), the falling one (14:l to 18:30), and also the central pericope (13:31-33), has not been carried through with sufficient precision. Consequently it has not always been possible to apply logically the principle of symmetry based on the chiastic relationship of the sequences of the respective arrns. Notable divergences between authors are the result of a too superficial approach to the matter. To achieve a perfect demarcation of the sequences, certain criteria based on interna1 indications left by Luke have been proposed as a starting point. The first criterion has been change of therne, usually accompanied by change of scene or the entry of a new personage. Once the sequences were rnarked out, and after noting minor structures of a sequence if present (diptych, triptych), the correspondence of correlative sequences were established (AIA', B/B1, etc.). The symmetrical disposition of successive sequences with respect to the centre (H) has as its objective the emphasis of the irnportance of the central pericope about which the rising arm (A,B,C ,... G), and the falling one (G', ... C',B1,A') revolve. Luke's intention in composing such a structure was in response to the need to have a wide space available which, in the manner of a digression, would enable him to develop the al1 irnportant theme of the training of disciples in the period between the end of the mission successfully carried out by the Seventy and proposed as a model to the Twelve (10:24), and the resurnption of the path with a view to the imminent ascent to Jerusalern (18:31). The insidious question put by the adversaries at the beginning of the structure can only receive an adequate reply at the end of the development half way between one extreme znd the other. The unmasking of the adversaries by Jesus, the most extensive part of the structure, is used to prepare the disciples against the hypocritical ideology and behaviour of the Pharisees, polarized on the false value of richness, and to point out to the crowds who accompanied Him the strict conditions of being a follower.
