RelSt 735: Fall 1992: R. Kraft 
Recensions in Early Jewish and Christian Literatures 

BACKGROUND:
Kraft essay on T.Abr recensional issues
Kraft essay on Multiform Jewish Heritage of Early Christianity

SOME ISSUES TO PONDER:
Boundaries between "textual variations" and "recensions"
Boundaries between "recensions" and different "related works"
Tendencies towards expansion; why and how?
Tendencies towards contraction/abbreviation; why and how?
Isolating useful criteria for judging (language, focus, etc.)
Mechanical (quantitative) and organic modifications
Concepts of authorship, "evolved literature," etc.

1. The Letters of Ignatius

Three versions of Polycarp, Ephesians, Romans (Short, Middle, Long);
Two versions of Magnesians, Trallians, Philadelphians, Smyrneans;
One Greek version of Tarsians, Antiochians, Hero, Philippians, Mary 
  Cassobolita to Ignatius, to Mary; 
One Latin version of two letters to John, to Virgin Mary.

HANDOUTS:
Eusebius on Igantius (Lawlor and Oulton ET)
Schoedel on Epistles of Ignatius (Anchor Bible Dictionary)
The versions of Romans (computer file, in process)
Cureton sections -- 
  English translation of the three Syriac Letters (Short version)
  Sample of Syriac pages
  The Romans/Trallians 4-5 Problem Passage
  The two versions of Trallians 4-5
  Notes on some of this material in Romans
Funk-Diekamp on the Greek textual witnesses, Romans samples
Fischer on textcriticism, Romans sample 

2. The Two Ways and Related Problems
Three versions of the "Two Ways" material (Barn, Did, Doctrina)
Didache and the Apostolic Constitutions version

3. 5 Ezra (two Latin versions/editions; see Bergren)

4. "The Western Text" of Acts -- a quick look

5. Epitomizing: some examples
Paraleipomena Jeremiou in modern abridgment
Author's epitome (e.g. Lactantius, Divine Institutes)

6. Jeremiah in shorter and longer versions (Tov in Feb)
See J.W.Watts, CBQ 54/3 (1992) 432-447

7. Vision/Ascension of Isaiah: a Recensional Problem?

8. "The Synoptic Problem" in the Jesus Traditions: Recensions? 

9. Some examples of "evolving" literature in process --
Early Christian works against heresies
Testimony books/collections
Types of "Commentary" on the Scriptures