PARAENESIS

Paraenesis is advice, counsel, or exhortation.  The latter parts of many of the New Testament letters are paraenetic in nature (“I appeal to you, therefore, brothers and sisters…”-Romans 12:1; “I…beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called…”-Ephesians 4:1). The term would also describe the rules contained in the Household Codes (see). The Sermon on the Mount and the epistle of James likewise contain exhortations on religion, morality, and behavior.  Many contemporary sermons might be classified as paraenesis.