ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΙΟΝ ΚΑΤΑ ΛΟΥΚΑΝ Synoptics-Genre... · The Synoptic Gospels –Genre,...

Dieter MitternachtDieter Mitternacht

The Synoptic Gospels Genre, Comparison, FormationThe Synoptic Gospels Genre, Comparison, FormationDieter Mitternacht

The Synoptic Gospels Genre, Comparison, Formation

(Gospel according to Luke)

(Gospel according to John)

75Luke 3:18-24:53 & extensive portions of John 1-15,

majuscule script, appr. date: 175-225 CE.

Excerpt showing the ending of Luke and the beginning of John on the same page. On one page, this is un-common!

Gospel according to




1. The Gospel genreGospel and Gospels Meaning of

Greco-Roman term: a) reward for bringing good news to the emperorb) good news

In the NT: a) oral proclamation by Jesus (Matt 11:5)b) oral proclamation concerning Jesus, hear the word of the gospel (Acts 15:7)c) the person who is proclaiming (Acts 21.8; Eph 4.11; 2 Tim 4.5)

In the 2nd century: written traditions, written stories about Jesus words and deeds. The expression in the Gospel ( gg) appears.

JUSTIN Martyr is the first to use the word in the plural for written stories about Jesus words and deeds, suffering and resurrection. Apology 66.3 : ... in the recollections called gospels

End of 3rd century: a whole book (Gospel according to , ex. , p66)

By the 4th century: writers of gospels are called evangelists.

Gospel ~ god-spell = good tidings




1. The Gospel genreGospel and Gospels Meaning of

Similarity to popular folk literature : 1930 consensus

Collections of Jesus-sayings framed by a short narrative ()

handed down orally later written down and compiled in

Not biographies, since no interest:

in Jesus upbringing, his formative years (just 6 months,or, at most, 2 years) in Jesus human personality or character in Jesus physical appearance or psychological development

Similarity to ancient bioi ~ lives : 2000 consensusComparison with ancient bioi (e.g. by Plutarch, Tacitus, Nepos and Philostratus) show the following similarities:

continuous prose narrative of 10,000 to 20,000 words, the amount for a typical 10 meters scroll collections of stories, anecdotes, speeches and sayings that purport the main character underlying agenda such as polemics, apologetics, special teachings, or hero portrait 25 to 30% of the verbs are determined by the hero of the story (Mk 25%, Mat and Luke 20%) 15 to 30% of the verbs occur in sayings of the hero (Mk 20%, Mat and Luke 40%)

(compare to John: 50% of verbs occur in direct or indirect speech by Jesus) no concern for strict chronological order no concern for whole lives, but selective interest (birth, adolescence, public life, death) no concern for psychological analysis of heros character




1. The Gospel genreGospel and Gospels Meaning of Similarity to popular folk literature : 1930 consensusSimilarity to ancient bioi ~ lives : 2000 consensus

Differences from ancient bioi

Strong focus on Jesus death would not seem proportional abrupt ending of Mark would seem puzzling connection between Luke and Acts, seems to point to more than just a Jesus-bios (Acts 2:11: mighty

works of God); Luke combines a historiographical + biographical interest; The Jesus in the bios is also living voice in the church and the Lord who is worshipped.

Gospels unusual and uniqueThe fact that more than 60 accounts were written of the same person within less than 30 years is unparalleled in the literature of the time




2. Gospel Research Methods and ApproachesFormation of the Text (diachronic approaches)

Particular methods for the study of the formation stages of the Gospels and the conflation of sources and redactions:

Text analysis: establishing the original text Source analysis (18th cent) focus on comparison of written sources Form analysis (19th cent) focus on the mechanisms of oral transmission of forms Redaction analysis (1950s) focus on the compiler of sources (written and oral) as a

redactor

Final Form of the Text (synchronic approaches)In the 1970, especially, many scholars began to concern themselves with the final form of the Gospels rather than their pre-history:

Rhetorical analysis focus on ancient communication Narrative analysis focus on literary genre Sociological analysis focus on society and economy (patronage, honor and shame ..) Psychological analysis focus personality, attribution, etc.

Reader-Concern approaches Postmodern analysis Feminist exegesis Canonical approach Reception history




Time

Time segment

diachronic

Text in formation




3. Literary inter-relatedness

StatisticsMark 99.5% also in Matt and/or Luke 0.5% only in Mark (Mk)Matt 56% = Mark 23% common source with Luke (Q) 23% only in Matt (M)Luke 30% = Mark 18% common source with Matt (Q) 52% only in Luke (L)

Q23% of Matt

Mark56% of Matt(90% of Mark)

M23% of Matt

Matthew

Q18% of Luke

Mark30% of Luke(52% of Mark)

L52% of Luke

Luke

Mark99.5 %

MarkMk.5 %




Triple traditions

3. Literary Inter-relatednessProportions




3. Literary inter-relatedness

Single-, Double- and Triple-traditions in the Synoptics

The structural and verbal similarities (despite differences) between the three synoptic gospels point to a literary inter-relatedness.

Triple Definition: materials that are found in all three of the synoptic Gospels Arrangement: similar sequence of passages

Double Definition: mostly sayings material, found in two (Matt and Luke) of the synoptic Gospels Arrangement: different dispersion in Matt and Luke; independently of each other? Matt: collected in speech blocks Luke: spread out between stories Example: Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5-7) is condensed in Luke 6:20-49

Single Definition : materials found in only one of the synoptic Gospels all three synoptics have material of their own.

Note that Jesus spoke Aramaic! Detailed similarities in the Greek wording of his sayings, necessitate literarydependence.




3. Literary Inter-relatednessSynoptic gospels

Mid 18th century: scholars began asking what can be known scientifically about the formation of the Gospel texts the focus is on understanding the textual differences:

Where do the sources come from? Who copied from whom? Which of the Gospels came first? Why and how do the Gospels sometimes agree, sometimes disagree? What kind of selection and combination processes can be identified?

1776: Johan J Griesbach coined the term Synoptics to distinguish Mk, Matt and Luke from John.




4. SimilaritiesSimilar sequence of events

Healing of Peters mother in law

Healing of a paralyzed man

Call of Matthew/Levi Healing of man with

a withered hand Parable of the sower

+ interpretations Feeding of 5000

First Passion prediction

Transfiguration Healing of an

epileptic boy The rich young

ruler

Cleansing of temple Passion prediction Eschatological

discourse

Preparation for Passover

The Lords supper Jesus prayer

in Gethsemane Jesus arrest Peters denial Before Pilate Crucifixion




4. SimilaritiesSimilarities Sequence of Events

Similar Activities and Style

Jesus actions Proclaiming the Kingdom of God Teaching disciples Healing the sick and possessed Caring for the marginalized (sinners and tax collectors)

Jesus words Short sayings or dialogues (different from the fourth gospel) Parables

Story character Episodes, thematic not biographical story sequence Loose chronological or spatial connections

Some thematic sequence similarities Conflict stories (Mk 2.1-22 par) Sabbath stories (Mk 2.23-3.6 par) Parables about the kingdom (Mk 4 par)




5. DifferencesUnique materials (selection)

Mark (Mk) Matthew (M) Luke (L)

Jesus and his family (he is out of his mind)

Healing of a deaf and muteman

Healing of blind near Bethsaida

The young man who flees when Jesus is arrested

Annunciation to Joseph

Visit of Magi

Flight to Egypt

Slaughter of innocent babies

Par. Wheat and Tares

Par. Pearl of great Price

Par. Coin in fishs mouth

Par. Laborers in vineyard

Par. Wise and foolish maidens

Par. Sheep and goats

Judas remorse and suicide

Pilates wifes dream

Bribing of guards

Great commission

Annunciation to Mary

Shepherds in the field

Jesus boy in temple

Widows son in Nain

Par. Good Samaritan

Par. Rich fool

Par. Lost coin

Par. Prodigal son and his brother

Par. Unjust steward

Par. Rich man and Lazarus

Cleansing of 10 lepers

Zacchaeus

On the road to Emmaus

Jesus ascension into heaven




TIME Mark Matt Luke John

Logos, in the beginning

Birth of John the Baptist

Announcement to Mary

Birth of JesusThe Magi

Flight from Egypt

Birth of Jesus And the word became flesh

Jesus 30 years

GEOGRAPHICAL FOCUS Bethlehem Nazareth In the beginning

ORIGIN ? (3:31-35) of Abraham of Adam Logos of God

5. DifferencesUnique materials (selection)

Gospel beginnings




5. DifferencesUnique materials (selection)Differences Beginnings

Childhood stories

Matt Luke

Focus on Joseph Focus on Mary

Conception and birth of John the Baptist

Angel visits Joseph Angel visits Mary

Bethlehem Nazareth

Census and trip to Bethlehem

Birth of Jesus Birth of Jesus

Kings from the east visit the child Shepards from the fields come to manger

Slaughter of babies Dedication in the Temple, Simeon and Hannah

Flight to Egypt

Return from Egypt and move to Nazareth Return to Nazareth

Visit to Jerusalem at the age of 12




Matt 1: 1-17 Luk 3:23-381 An account of the genealogy of Jesus the

Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

23 Jesus was about thirty years old when

he began his work. He was (as was thought) the 2 Abraham was the father of Isaac,

and Isaac the father of Jacob,

and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers,3 and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah

by Tamar,

and Perez the father of Hezron,

and Hezron the father of Aram,4 and Aram the father of Aminadab,

and Aminadab the father of Nahshon,

and Nahshon the father of Salmon,5 and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab,

and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth,

and Obed the father of Jesse,6 and Jesse the father of King David.

And David was the father of Solomon

by the wife of Uriah,7 and Solomon the father of Rehoboam,

and Rehoboam the father of Abijah,

and Abijah the father of Asaph,8 and Asaph the father of Jehoshaphat,

and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram,

and Joram the father of Uzziah,9 and Uzziah the father of Jotham,

and Jotham the father of Ahaz,

and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah,10 and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh,

and Manasseh the father of Amos,

and Amos the father of Josiah,11 and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at

the time of the deportation to Babylon.

12 And after the deportation to Babylon:

Jechoniah was the father of Salathiel,

and Salathiel the father of Zerubbabel,13 and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud,

and Abiud the father of Eliakim,

and Eliakim the father of Azor,14 and Azor the father of Zadok,

and Zadok the father of Achim,

and Achim the father of Eliud,15 and Eliud the father of Eleazar,

and Eleazar the father of Matthan,

and Matthan the father of Jacob,16 and Jacob the father of

Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom

Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah.

17 So all the generations

from Abraham to David are

fourteen generations;

and from David to the deportation to Babylon,

fourteen generations;

and from the deportation to Babylon to the

Messiah,

fourteen generations.

________________

total 51

(from Abraham to Joseph)

son of Joseph,

son of Heli,24 son of Matthat,

son of Levi,

son of Melchi,

son of Jannai,

son of Joseph,25 son of Mattathias,

son of Amos,

son of Nahum,

son of Esli,

son of Naggai,26 son of Maath,

son of Mattathias,

son of Semein,

son of Josech,

son of Joda,27 son of Joanan,

son of Rhesa,

son of Zerubbabel,

son of Shealtiel,

son of Neri,28 son of Melchi,

son of Addi,

son of Cosam,

son of Elmadam,

son of Er,29 son of Joshua,

son of Eliezer,

son of Jorim,

son of Matthat,

son of Levi,30 son of Simeon,

son of Judah,

son of Joseph,

son of Jonam,

son of Eliakim,31 son of Melea,

son of Menna,

son of Mattatha,

son of Nathan,

son of David,32 son of Jesse,

son of Obed,

son of Boaz,

son of Sala,

son of Nahshon,33 son of Amminadab,

son of Admin,

son of Arni,

son of Hezron,

son of Perez,

son of Judah,34 son of Jacob,

son of Isaac,

son of Abraham,

son of Terah,

son of Nahor,35 son of Serug,

son of Reu,

son of Peleg,

son of Eber,

son of Shelah,36 son of Cainan,

son of Arphaxad,

son of Shem,

son of Noah,

son of Lamech,37 son of Methuselah,

son of Enoch,

son of Jared,

son of Mahalaleel,

son of Cainan,38 son of Enos,

son of Seth,

son of Adam,

son of God.

____________

total 56

(from Joseph [Mary?]

to Adam)

5. DifferencesGenealogies: Matt = forward to Abraham; Luke = backward to Adam




5. DifferencesUnique materials (selection)Gospel BeginningsChildhood storiesGenealogies

Location of Resurrection accounts

Mark Luke Matthew

no resurrection accounts(16:9-20 is a 3nd century addition, which alludes to events recorded in Math, Luke and John)

Jerusalem and surroundingsDo not leave Jerusalem (Acts 1:4)

Galilee (Matt 28:7)




6. The Synoptic problemPriority of Matthew?

Augustine summarizes why the Early Church considered Matthew to be the most important Gospel as follows:

1. Matt is the oldest Gospel, even with a predecessor in Hebrew (claim by Papias, 3rd cent, acc. to Eusebius, Church history).

2. Matthew was an Apostle3. Especially suitable for liturgical use4. Strong anti-pharisaic tone (useful as Christendom

wanted to distinguish itself from Judaism)

According to Augustine, Mark was just an extract of Matthewhe [Mark] followed Matt like a slave and produced a summary (On the Agreement of the Evangelists, 1.2.4).

Critical questionIf Luke builds on both Mk and Matt, why does Luke differ so much more from Matt than from Mk?

Response (based on Papias)All three translated an Aramaic original independently. The supposed differences are due to independent translations. There is no literary inter-relatedness.

Counter responseBut then, why is there so much agreement on the Greek text between the three?

The debate went on for hundreds of years, until .

Mark

Luke

Matthew

The order of appearance of the Gospels in the New Testament was decided on the assumption that Matt wrote first. Some collections, however, put Matt and John at the beginning, on account that they were both Apostles.




6. The Synoptic problem the famous philologist Karl Lachman in 1835 picked up on a novel idea first suggested in 1786 by Gottlob Storr!

Priority of Mark!

NOT Matthew BUT Mark was the earliest gospel.

The idea was refined by Chr. Wilke and Chr. Weisse and finally endorsed by H.J. Holtzmann in 1863.

It won general acceptance and remains a consensus view among scholars to this day.

Three basic assertions

1) Mk defines the story sequence

2) The Greek of Matt and Luke is better than the Greek of Mk

3) Mk is the common denominator for the othersMatthew Luke

Mark




6. The Synoptic problemPriority of Mark!

Example: Mk as common denominator for chronological sequence

Mark Matt Luke

Calling of Levi Meal with tax collectorsQuestion concerning fasting

2.13-142:15-172:18-22

9.99:10-139:14-17

5.27-285:29-325.33-39

9.18-11.30 other material

Jesus and the Sabbath 2.23-3.6 12.1-8 6.1-11

12:9-14 a healing in a synagogue

A great crowd and many healingsCalling of the TwelveJesus and his familyJesus power over evil spiritsSin against the holy Spirit

3.7-123:13-193:20-213:22-273:28-30

12:15-21

12:22-3012:31-37

(6.17-19)6.12-16

12:38-42 the sign of Jonah12:43-45 Return of unclean spirits

Jesus true family 3:31-35 12.46-50

ChronologicalSequence

6:20-49The sermon on the plain




6. The Synoptic problemPriority of MatthewPriority of Mark!

A second major source: QKarl Lachmann also argued that Matt and Luke

used another written source (Q) which consisted mainly of Jesus sayings

They freely and independently inserted Q material into Marks story design,

Other sources: M & L

Both Matt and Luke had their own sources which in the Gospels appear as single traditions.

Matthew and Luke knew and used a written version of the Gospel of Mark in their own accounts (Matt 90%, Luke 52%)




6. The Synoptic problemPriority of MatthewPriority of Mark!A second major source: QOther sources: M & L

Two Source Hypothesis1. Mark is the oldest Gospel2. A speech source (Q) must have been available for Matt and Luke3. Matt and Luke were written independently of each other

Matthew Luke

Mark Q

M L




6. The Synoptic problemEffect on Gospel research

Mark = Innovator of GenreMark was recognized for being the oldest and earliest gospel previously = a simple clip and paste text with no real concern for interpretation now = genre innovator and concise story teller

Mark = Closest to the historical context previously = devalued by Church fathers for lack of theology; simplicity of style now = elevated for being closest to the historical situation now = simplicity is perceived as sign of objectivity and historiographical concernConclusion: a unique opportunity to reach back to early stages of the transmission process.

Optimistic Quests for the Historical Jesus Boom of Lives of Jesus, optimism about the earliest Gospel some paulinisms (ch 7: all foods clean) and some magical material, but

otherwise reliable information.

The original Ending of Mark = challengeA passion narrative with an extended introduction




7. Hypothetical Q

Main topics of Q Luke MatthewJohn the B. preaching 3:717 3:712Jesus temptation 4:213 4:211The Sermon 6:2049 57Centurion in Capernaum 7:110 8:513John the B. 7:1835 11:219Woes and Praises 10:1315.21f 11:2127Beelsebul 11:1423 12:2230Return of unclean Spirits 11:2426 12:4345Against the Pharisees 11:3951 23:4.2325.2936Woes over Jerusalem 13:34f 23:3739About the last things 17:2237 24:2628.3741Parable of the Talents 19:1227 25:1430

Characteristics of QCannot be exact, since there may have been material that neither matt nor Luke used.

1. Mainly a sayings source (Logia of Jesus) with some story fragments2. No passion account (!?)3. The saying seem to be collected in categories4. There seems to be structure putting John first and Jesus sayings about the last things last




Title Verses in Luke Verses in Matthew

John's preaching Luke 3:7-9 Matt 3:7-10

The Coming One Luke 3:16-17 Matt 3:11-12

Jesus Tested Luke 4:1-13 Matt 4:1-4, 9-12, 5-7, 13

Inaugural sermon Luke 6:12, 17, 20 Matt 5:1-2

Congratulations Luke 6:20-26 Matt 5:3, 6, 4, 11-12

Love of enemies Luke 6:27-36 Matt 5:44, 39-42; 7:12; 5:46-47, 45, 48

On judging Luke 6:37-38 Matt 7:1-2

Blind guides Luke 6:39-40 Matt 15:14; 10:24-25

On pretense Luke 6:41-42 Matt 7:3-5

Tree & fruit Luke 6:43-45 Matt 7:16-20; 12:33-35

Foundations Luke 6:46-49 Matt 7:21, 24-27

Centurion's slave Luke 7:1-10 Matt 7:28; 8:5-10, 13

John's inquiry Luke 7:18-20, 22-23 Matt 11:2-6

Jesus praises John Luke 7:24-28 Matt 11:7-11

Law & prophets Luke 16:16 Matt 11:12-13

Children in the marketplace Luke 7:31-35 Matt 11:16-19

Foxes have dens Luke 9:57-62 Matt 8:19-22

The Mission Speech Luke 10:2-12 Matt 9:37-38; 10:7-16

Damn you Chorazin Luke 10:13-15 Matt 11:21-24

Rejecting the sender Luke 10:16 Matt 10:40

Father & son Luke 10:21-22 Matt 11:25-27

Privileged eyes Luke 10:23-24 Matt 13:16-17

Lord's prayer Luke 11:2-4 Matt 6:9-13

Ask, seek, knock Luke 11:9-13 Matt 7:7-11

Beelzebul controversy Luke 11:14-23 Matt 12:22-30

Return of an unclean spirit Luke 11:24-26 Matt 12:43-45

Request for a sign Luke 11:16, 29-32 Matt 12:38-42

Lamp & bushel Luke 11:33 Matt 5:15

Eye & light Luke 11:34-36 Matt 6:22-23

Prophet's tombs Luke 11:47-48 Matt 23:29-32

Wisdom's oracle Luke 11:49-51 Matt 23:34-36

Blocking the way Luke 11:52 Matt 23:13

7. Hypothetical QList of hypothetical Q insertions into Luke and Matt




Title Verses in Luke Verses in Matthew

Veiled & unveiled Luke 12:2-3 Matt 10:26-27

God & sparrows Luke 12:4-7 Matt 10:28-31

Before the father Luke 12:8-9 Matt 10:32-33

Blasphemies Luke 12:10 Matt 12:32

Spirit under trial Luke 12:11-12 Matt 10:19

On anxieties Luke 12:22-31 Matt 6:25-33

On possessions Luke 12:33-34 Matt 6:19-21

Homeowner & burglar Luke 12:39-40 Matt 24:43-44

Unexpected return Luke 12:42-46 Matt 24:45-51

Peace or conflict Luke 12:49, 51-53 Matt 10:34-36

Knowing the times Luke 12:54-56 Matt 16:2-3

Before the judge Luke 12:57-59 Matt 5:25-26

Mustard seed & leaven Luke 13:18-21 Matt 13:31-33

Two gates Luke 13:24-27 Matt 7:13-14, 22-23

Dining with patriarchs Luke 13:28-30 Matt 8:11-12; 20:16

Jerusalem indicted Luke 13:34-35 Matt 23:37-39

Promotion & demotion Luke 14:11, 18:14 Matt 23:12

The feast Luke 14:16-24 Matt 22:1-10

Hating one's family Luke 14:26-27, 17:33 Matt 10:37-39

Saltless salt Luke 14:34-35 Matt 5:13

Lost sheep & coin Luke 15:4-10 Matt 18:12-13

Two masters Luke 16:13 Matt 6:24

God's rule & violence Luke 16:16 Matt 11:12-13

Not one serif Luke 16:17 Matt 5:18

On divorce Luke 16:18 Matt 5:32

Millstone award Luke 17:1-2 Matt 18:6-7

Scold & forgive Luke 17:3-4 Matt 18:15, 21-22

Mountains into the sea Luke 17:6 Matt 17:20

Coming of son of Adam Lk 17:22-24, 26-30, 34-35, 37 Mt 24:26-28, 37, 39-41Entrusted money Luke 19:12-26 Matt 25:14-30

On twelve thrones Luke 22:28-30 Matt 19:28

7. Hypothetical QList of hypothetical Q insertions into Luke and Matt




8. Alternative HypothesisLuke knew both Mark and Matt; no need for Q.

Matthew

Luke

Mark

M

L




9. The Synoptics and the Fourth Gospel Only 10 % overlap with the Synoptics no transfiguration no exorcisms no parables no institution of Eucharist Several new sections: Wedding at Cana, Nikodemus, Woman at the well, Lazarus, Last

Discourses.

Traditionally John knew the other three gospels and saw a need to add a spiritual dimension

to the physical accounts of the others (Eusebius, Hist. 6.14.7).

Today Most scholars agree that John wrote without knowledge of the Synoptics Some argue though that he may have known Mark




10. The Transmission of Jesus TraditionsOral forms

1920s: with the synoptic problem (written sources) being solved, scholars focus on the period of oral transmission, i.e. before the traditions were written down. This is called the research of the history of forms, or form criticism.

a) Stories can be cut out Scholars (KL Schmidt, R Bultmann) noted that the Gospels seem to contain many small stories that are loosely connected to form a narrative and can be cut out (peri-cope) from the narrative and stand on their own.Ex. Mk 1:40-45:

1:39 And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.

40 A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, "If you choose, you can make me clean." 41 Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, "I do choose. Be made clean!" 42 Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. 43 After sternly warning him he sent him away at once, 44 saying to him, "See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them." 45 But he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word, so that Jesus could no longer go into a town openly, but stayed out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter.

2:1 When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home.




10. The Transmission of Jesus traditionsOral forms

a) Stories can be cut out (peri-cope)

b) Main forms (types) of stories: miracle stories (nature, Mk 4:35-41; healing, Mk 3:1-6), often with a 3-fold structure:

situation-miracle-result sayings, without apparent context, ex Mk 2:21-22:

18 Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting; and people came and said to him, "Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?" 19 Jesus said to them, "The wedding guests cannot fast while the bridegroom is with them, can they? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. 20 The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day.

21 "No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old cloak; otherwise, the patch pulls away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made.22 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and so are the skins; but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins.

23 One Sabbath he was going through the grain fields; and as they made their way his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. (Mar 2:18-23 NRS)




10. The Transmission of Jesus traditionsOral forms

a) Stories can be cut out (peri-cope)

b) Main forms (types) of stories: miracle stories Sayings

parables (Mk 4) pronouncement stories (usually with a punch-line, ex. Mark 2:23-28)

c) Stories are put into collections under a themeExamples of collections in Mark 1-4Conflict stories (including some healings): 1:40-45; 2:1-12; 13-17; 18-22; 23-28; 3:1-6;Parables: all of chapter 4

Blended transmission process

While in the past scholars often saw the oral forms being older than the written, today many would argue instead that the transmission is

not from an oral stage to a written stage

but rather two transmission processes that interface over a long period of time:early written accounts may be transmitted independently and combined with oral accounts at a very late stage.




Time

30

40

50

70

90

60

80

10. Transmission of Jesus traditionsBlended transmission process

Written sources about Jesus

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