EXAMPLES OF PROBLEMS                            Christian Origins
IN EARLY TRADITIONS ABOUT JESUS                     RelSt 135/435


1. The Same Episode in Different Settings in Different Books

1) Jesus' violent reaction to certain Temple practices:
   Jn 2.13ff (early event) vs.  Mk 11.15ff & parr (late event)
2) Jesus teaches disciples a standard prayer ("Lord's Prayer"):
   Mt 6.9ff (in "sermon on mount") vs.  Lk ll.lff
3) Jesus is anointed at Bethany by a woman:
   Mk 14.3ff//Mt 26.6ff (see Lk 7.36ff) vs.  Jn 12.lff
4) The occurrence of Passover relative to Jesus' last days:
   Mk 14.12 (15.1, 15.42) & parr vs. in 18.28 & 19.14
5) The amazing catch of fish on Galilee:
   Lk 5.lff (cf Mk 1.16ff//Mt 4.18ff) vs.  Jn 21.lff
6) The "beatitudes" sermon of Jesus:
   Mt 5-7 vs.  Lk 6.17ff (etc.)


2. Virtually Identical material in Different Settings in Same Book

1) God's message throuch John the baptizer and through Jesus:
   Mt 3.10 = 7.19 (see also 12.33f)
2) Heavenly voice concerning Jesus: Mk 1.11 = 9.7 (see in 12.28)
3) Jesus sends out 12 and 70 disciples: Lk 9.lff = 10.lff
4) Jesus feeds 5000+, then 4000+: Mk 6.30ff = 8.lff
5) Jesus predicts his impending death: Mk 8.31 = 9.30 = 10.32
6) Jesus speaks about the "keys": Mt 16.19 = 18.18 (see in 20.23)


3. Differing Accounts of the Same Event in Different Books

1) Jesus' birth and genealogy: Mt 1-2 vs.  Lk 1-2
2) Names of Jesus' 12 disciples:
   Mt 10.2f vs.  Mk 3.16ff vs.  Lk 6.14ff vs.  Ac 1.13
3) Jesus' resurrection appearances: Mt 28 (see Mk) vs.  Lk 24
4) The death of Judas: Mt 27.3ff vs.  Ac 1.18f vs.  Papias


4. Other Examples of Probably Intentionally Reworked Materials 

Adaptation of narrative details:
1) Epilepsy (Mt 17.15) vs. spirit possession (Mk = Lk)
2) Mother (Mt 20 .20ff) vs. sons request (Mk = Lk)

Adjustments in sayings attributed to Jesus:
3) Divorce/remarriage acceptable (Mt 5.32 = 19.lff) or not
4) "Son of man" = Jesus (Mt 10.32; cf 23.34) or not
5) "Kingdom of heavens" (Mt) or "k. of God" (Mk, Lk, Jn, Paul)
6) The final calamity detailed (Lk 21.20-24; cf 19.43) or not
7) The final sign -- "in heaven"? (Mt 24.30; cf 24.3 //)
8) Galilee and Jesus' resurrection (Lk 24.6 //, etc.)

Adaptation of scriptural/eschatological expectations
9) God's "son" called from Egypt: Mt 2.15 (Hos 11.1)
10) Riding two animals into Jerusalem: Mt 21.lff (cf //)
11) Influence of Ps 22[21] and 69[68] on crucifixion story


Numerous similar problems will be encountered in a careful 
reading of the Jesus traditions.  Questions about editorial 
activity, literary relationships, earlier sources, etc., must be 
asked before one turns to questions of historical reliability. 

[RAK 2/97 scan]