Dramatizing Samson’s wedding: Performing scripture as a ministry tool

This paper uses performance criticism to explore the dramatic account of Samson’s marriage to the woman from Timnah (Judg. 13:25–14:20). There has been increasing interest in the place of performance within Pentecostalism as a tool for ministry, evangelism, and discipleship. I argue that this narrative invites dramatization through the literary and topographical movement ‘down’ to Timnah and the land of the Philistines and ‘up’ to Samson’s father’s house and the land of the Israelites; linguistic features, such as parenthetical narration to an audience, vehinneh as an attention-drawing particle, and participles; and dialogue that communicates the motivations and emotions of the characters. Through exploring each element as a feature of performance, I suggest that Pentecostal churches may perform scripture to create a communication event that invites performer and audience into rich biblical engagement, spiritual encounter, and fellowship.