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Total Categories: 6
The 'synoptic problem' primarily concerns the scholarly investigation into the literary relationships and dependencies among the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
Answer: True
The synoptic problem is the academic inquiry focused on understanding how the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are related textually, examining their similarities and differences to determine their literary origins and connections.
Modern synoptic scholars generally find the external (patristic) evidence to be highly decisive in resolving the synoptic problem.
Answer: False
Many contemporary scholars of the synoptic problem place greater emphasis on internal textual evidence rather than patristic testimony, which they often find ambiguous or contradictory for definitively resolving the literary relationships between the Gospels.
The hypothesis of Marcan priority posits that the Gospel of Mark was the earliest Synoptic Gospel composed, serving as a foundational source for the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. The assertion that Luke was the first Synoptic Gospel written directly contradicts this hypothesis.
Answer: False
The hypothesis of Marcan priority asserts that the Gospel of Mark was the initial Synoptic Gospel written, subsequently influencing the composition of Matthew and Luke. Therefore, the statement that Luke was the first Synoptic Gospel is factually incorrect within the context of Marcan priority.
Proponents of Marcan priority find it relatively straightforward to explain Mark's omissions by positing that later authors, Matthew and Luke, selectively incorporated material from Mark while adding their own unique content.
Answer: True
A key argument for Marcan priority is that it logically explains Mark's brevity and omissions: Matthew and Luke, as later writers, could have drawn from Mark and supplemented it with additional traditions or sources.
The 'naked fugitive' passage (Mark 14:51-52) is cited as evidence supporting Marcan priority because its obscurity and lack of clear purpose are difficult to explain if Mark were a later compilation.
Answer: True
The unique and enigmatic 'naked fugitive' incident in Mark is often presented as evidence for Marcan priority. Its inclusion is seen as more plausible in an early source that later authors might have omitted or altered, rather than a detail added by a later compiler.
Mark's frequent use of 'euthys' (immediately) is seen by some scholars as evidence of its early, vivid narrative style.
Answer: True
The adverb 'euthys' (immediately) appears with notable frequency in Mark's Gospel. Proponents of Marcan priority often interpret this as a stylistic marker contributing to Mark's characteristic immediacy and rapid narrative pace.
The omission of Jesus' infancy narrative in Mark is considered difficult to explain under the Marcan priority hypothesis.
Answer: False
The omission of the infancy narrative in Mark is generally considered *easy* to explain under Marcan priority, as it aligns with the hypothesis that Matthew and Luke added such material later, drawing from other sources or traditions.
What is the central claim of the Marcan priority hypothesis regarding the Synoptic Gospels?
Answer: The Gospel of Mark was written first and served as a source for Matthew and Luke.
The central tenet of the Marcan priority hypothesis is that the Gospel of Mark represents the earliest Synoptic Gospel, and that Matthew and Luke subsequently drew upon Mark as a primary source for their own compositions.
Which passage, found only in Mark, is cited as evidence for Marcan priority due to its obscure nature?
Answer: The Incident of the Naked Fugitive
The 'naked fugitive' passage (Mark 14:51-52), unique to Mark, is often cited as evidence for Marcan priority because its peculiar and seemingly purposeless nature is argued to be more characteristic of an original source than a later compilation.
How do proponents of Marcan priority typically explain the presence of the Lord's Prayer in Matthew and Luke, but not in Mark?
Answer: Matthew and Luke added it from a separate source.
Proponents of Marcan priority typically explain the absence of the Lord's Prayer in Mark by suggesting that Matthew and Luke incorporated this significant teaching from another source or tradition, as Mark focused on a different selection of Jesus' activities.
The 'calming of the storm' narrative in Mark includes more specific details than the parallels in Matthew and Luke. How might this support Marcan priority?
Answer: It indicates Mark preserved original details that later Gospels simplified.
The greater detail in Mark's account of the 'calming of the storm' is often interpreted under Marcan priority as evidence that Mark retained original details which Matthew and Luke subsequently streamlined or omitted.
Gottlob Christian Storr is credited with proposing the hypothesis of Marcan priority in the late 18th century, challenging the traditional view of Matthean priority.
Answer: True
Gottlob Christian Storr's work in 1786 is recognized as an early articulation of the Marcan priority hypothesis, suggesting that the Gospel of Mark predated Matthew and Luke, thereby initiating a significant scholarly debate.
Karl Lachmann's 1835 analysis suggested that Matthew and Luke often followed Mark's sequence of passages when they agreed with each other.
Answer: True
Karl Lachmann's comparative study in 1835 observed that the order of pericopae in Matthew and Luke frequently mirrored that of Mark, particularly when both later Gospels agreed. This observation was interpreted as evidence for Mark's foundational role.
Christian Hermann Weisse and Christian Gottlob Wilke independently proposed in 1838 that Mark served as a direct source for Matthew and Luke.
Answer: True
In 1838, both Christian Hermann Weisse and Christian Gottlob Wilke independently concluded that Mark was not only the earliest Gospel but also served as a direct literary source for both Matthew and Luke, thereby solidifying the Marcan priority hypothesis.
Heinrich Julius Holtzmann's influential work in the mid-19th century supported and refined the hypothesis of Marcan priority.
Answer: True
Heinrich Julius Holtzmann's scholarship in the 1860s was pivotal in gaining widespread acceptance for Marcan priority. His detailed analysis supported the view that Mark was a primary source for Matthew and Luke, albeit with nuances regarding the use of other potential sources.
The 'Lachmann fallacy' refers to the argument that Mark's Gospel must be the earliest simply because its sequence of pericopae is often preserved by Matthew and Luke.
Answer: True
The 'Lachmann fallacy' is a term used to critique the interpretation of Lachmann's observation about pericopae order. While Lachmann noted Mark's sequence was often preserved, the argument that this preservation *alone* definitively proves Mark's priority has been debated as potentially fallacious.
Who is credited with first proposing the hypothesis of Marcan priority in 1786?
Answer: Gottlob Christian Storr
Gottlob Christian Storr is widely recognized for articulating the hypothesis of Marcan priority in 1786, suggesting that the Gospel of Mark predated the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.
Karl Lachmann's 1835 work contributed to Marcan priority by observing what pattern among the Synoptic Gospels?
Answer: Mark's sequence of passages was frequently followed by Matthew and Luke.
Karl Lachmann's analysis noted that when Matthew and Luke agreed with each other, their sequence of narrative units (pericopae) often mirrored that of Mark. This observation was interpreted as evidence that Mark preserved an early, fixed order.
The Farrer hypothesis proposes a direct literary dependence chain from Mark to Matthew to Luke, thereby eliminating the necessity for a separate 'Q source'.
Answer: True
The Farrer hypothesis posits that Mark was the first Gospel written, Matthew used Mark as a source, and Luke subsequently used Matthew as his primary source. This sequential model accounts for the shared material without invoking a separate 'Q source'.
The Matthean Posteriority hypothesis suggests that Matthew was the earliest Gospel, followed by Luke and then Mark.
Answer: False
The Matthean Posteriority hypothesis, while acknowledging Mark's priority, proposes a sequence of Mark -> Luke -> Matthew, suggesting Luke preceded Matthew. This differs from traditional Matthean priority which places Matthew first.
The 'two-Gospel (Griesbach) hypothesis' posits that Mark is the earliest Gospel and was used by Matthew and Luke.
Answer: False
The Griesbach (or two-Gospel) hypothesis proposes the opposite order: Matthew was written first, followed by Luke, and Mark was a later compilation derived from both Matthew and Luke.
The 'independence hypothesis' suggests that the Synoptic Gospels were directly dependent on each other, using Mark as a primary source.
Answer: False
The independence hypothesis posits that the Synoptic Gospels were composed independently of one another, drawing solely from oral traditions or separate sources, without direct literary borrowing from each other.
The Matthean priority argument, supported by traditional views, posits that Mark was the first Gospel written.
Answer: False
The Matthean priority argument, often rooted in traditional interpretations, contends that Matthew was the first Gospel composed. This directly contradicts the hypothesis that Mark was the earliest.
The Jerusalem school hypothesis suggests Mark used Luke as a source, and Matthew used Mark.
Answer: True
The Jerusalem school hypothesis proposes a complex relationship where Mark utilized Luke as a source, and Matthew, in turn, used Mark. This theory represents an alternative to the dominant two-source hypothesis.
The 'Q+/Papias hypothesis' is a theory suggesting complex relationships between the Q source and traditions associated with Papias.
Answer: True
The 'Q+/Papias hypothesis' represents one of several proposed models attempting to explain the origins and relationships of the Synoptic Gospels, specifically integrating the concept of the Q source with traditions attributed to Papias of Hierapolis.
Which alternative hypothesis suggests Mark was written first, followed by Matthew, which then served as a source for Luke, thus eliminating the need for a 'Q source'?
Answer: The Farrer hypothesis
The Farrer hypothesis proposes a direct literary lineage: Mark -> Matthew -> Luke. This model assumes Marcan priority and explains the shared material between Matthew and Luke without recourse to a separate Q source.
The 'Matthean Posteriority hypothesis' suggests a different order of dependence than the Farrer hypothesis. What order does it propose?
Answer: Mark -> Luke -> Matthew
The Matthean Posteriority hypothesis posits a sequence where Mark is the earliest, followed by Luke, and then Matthew utilized both Mark and Luke as sources. This contrasts with the Farrer hypothesis (Mark -> Matthew -> Luke).
What does the 'two-Gospel (Griesbach) hypothesis' propose as an alternative to Marcan priority?
Answer: Matthew and Luke are sources for Mark.
The Griesbach hypothesis posits that Matthew was written first, followed by Luke, and that Mark was a later Gospel composed by combining material from both Matthew and Luke.
The traditional view, often associated with Augustine, held that Matthew was the first Gospel written. This view supports:
Answer: Matthean priority
The traditional view, championed by figures like Augustine, that Matthew was the first Gospel composed is the basis for the 'Matthean priority' hypothesis, which posits Matthew as the earliest Synoptic Gospel.
What is the 'independence hypothesis' concerning the Synoptic Gospels?
Answer: Each Gospel was an original composition independent of the others.
The independence hypothesis asserts that the Synoptic Gospels were composed without direct literary dependence on one another, drawing instead from independent oral traditions or sources.
The 'two-source hypothesis' posits that Matthew and Luke independently utilized the Gospel of Mark and a hypothetical document known as the 'Q source'.
Answer: True
The dominant 'two-source hypothesis' proposes that the Gospels of Matthew and Luke drew their material from two principal sources: the Gospel of Mark and a hypothetical collection of Jesus' sayings, designated as 'Q' (from the German 'Quelle' for source).
Minor agreements are instances where Matthew and Luke exhibit textual parallels that align against the reading found in the Gospel of Mark.
Answer: True
Minor agreements refer to specific textual variations where Matthew and Luke concur in their readings, often differing from the text of Mark. These instances present a significant challenge for hypotheses that posit Mark as the sole source for both.
The Greek style of the Gospel of Mark is generally considered more polished and literary than that of Matthew and Luke.
Answer: False
Scholarly consensus generally describes Mark's Greek as more colloquial, direct, and sometimes less polished than the Greek found in Matthew and Luke, which is often considered more literary and grammatically refined.
The Gospel of Mark notably includes the infancy narrative of Jesus, which is absent in Matthew and Luke.
Answer: False
The Gospel of Mark is unique among the Synoptics for its omission of the infancy narrative of Jesus; this material is present in both Matthew and Luke.
The principle of 'lectio difficilior potior' suggests that passages in Mark portraying Jesus or the apostles in a less favorable or more challenging light are more likely to be original.
Answer: True
The principle 'lectio difficilior potior' ('the more difficult reading is the stronger') is often applied in textual criticism. In the context of Marcan priority, 'hard readings' in Mark, which might seem theologically awkward or less flattering, are argued to be more likely original because scribes would tend to smooth out difficulties.
The term 'dualisms' in Mark refers to stylistic features where the same idea is expressed twice in adjacent phrases, a feature Matthew and Luke often retain in full.
Answer: False
While 'dualisms' in Mark refer to the repetition of similar ideas for emphasis, Matthew and Luke often do not retain both parts of these dualistic expressions, frequently selecting only one element. This trimming is seen by Marcan priority proponents as evidence of their use of Mark.
The concept of 'editorial fatigue' suggests that Matthew and Luke sometimes copied Mark directly after initially attempting to alter his text.
Answer: True
Editorial fatigue describes instances where later Gospel writers, like Matthew or Luke, begin by modifying Mark's text but then revert to more direct copying due to exhaustion or expediency. This pattern is cited as evidence for Mark's role as an earlier source.
Richard Bauckham argues that Mark names individuals left anonymous in Matthew and Luke because Mark's audience could identify them as living eyewitnesses.
Answer: True
Richard Bauckham's thesis suggests that Mark's inclusion of specific names (e.g., Bartimaeus, Rufus) for individuals who remain anonymous in Matthew and Luke indicates Mark's reliance on direct eyewitness testimony, potentially from Peter, whose audience would recognize these figures.
The 'double tradition' refers to material unique to the Gospel of Mark.
Answer: False
The 'double tradition' refers specifically to the body of material found in both the Gospels of Matthew and Luke but absent from the Gospel of Mark. Its existence is a key piece of evidence in synoptic studies.
The principle 'Lectio Difficilior Potior' suggests that simpler, smoother readings are more likely to be original in textual criticism.
Answer: False
'Lectio Difficilior Potior' translates to 'the more difficult reading is the stronger.' This principle posits that readings which are more complex or challenging are more likely to be original, as scribes tend to simplify or harmonize texts.
The 'Q source' is a hypothetical document believed to contain sayings of Jesus shared by Matthew and Luke but absent in Mark.
Answer: True
The 'Q source' is posited as a common source for material found in both Matthew and Luke but not in Mark, primarily consisting of sayings attributed to Jesus. Its existence is a cornerstone of the two-source hypothesis.
Richard Bauckham argues that Mark's Gospel is limited to material Peter directly witnessed or learned from associates.
Answer: True
Richard Bauckham's analysis suggests that the specific content of Mark's Gospel is constrained by the eyewitness testimony available through the Apostle Peter and his close companions, implying an early and direct source.
The 'calming of the storm' narrative in Mark includes fewer details than the parallels in Matthew and Luke.
Answer: False
The 'calming of the storm' narrative in Mark typically includes more specific details (e.g., Jesus sleeping on a cushion) than the parallels found in Matthew and Luke, which often present a more concise account.
The principle 'Lectio Difficilior Potior' supports the idea that simpler, smoother readings are more likely to be original.
Answer: False
The principle 'Lectio Difficilior Potior' ('the more difficult reading is the stronger') posits that readings presenting greater textual difficulty are more likely to be the original text, as scribes tend to simplify or harmonize challenging passages.
The 'two-source hypothesis', built upon Marcan priority, proposes that Matthew and Luke drew from which two primary sources?
Answer: The Gospel of Mark and the hypothetical 'Q source'
The widely accepted two-source hypothesis posits that Matthew and Luke independently utilized the Gospel of Mark and a hypothetical document known as the 'Q source' (containing sayings of Jesus) as their primary sources.
What does the term 'minor agreements' refer to in the study of the Synoptic Gospels?
Answer: Small textual details where Matthew and Luke align against Mark's reading.
Minor agreements denote specific instances where Matthew and Luke share textual readings or minor omissions that differ from Mark's text. These agreements are a significant point of contention in evaluating synoptic hypotheses.
How is the Greek style of the Gospel of Mark typically described in comparison to Matthew and Luke?
Answer: More colloquial and featuring Latinisms
Mark's Greek is often characterized as more colloquial, employing frequent use of 'euthys' (immediately) and incorporating numerous Latinisms, contrasting with the generally more polished and literary style of Matthew and Luke.
Which significant element found in Matthew and Luke is notably absent from the Gospel of Mark?
Answer: The Lord's Prayer
The Lord's Prayer, a central element of Jesus' teaching, is present in Matthew and Luke but is conspicuously absent from the Gospel of Mark.
The concept of 'hard readings' (lectio difficilior) in Mark suggests that passages portraying Jesus or the apostles less favorably are:
Answer: More likely to be original because they were challenging to smooth out.
According to the principle of 'lectio difficilior potior,' difficult or theologically challenging readings ('hard readings') found in Mark are considered more likely to be original, as scribes typically tend to simplify or harmonize such passages.
What is the 'double tradition' in the context of the Synoptic Gospels?
Answer: Material shared by Matthew and Luke, but not found in Mark.
The 'double tradition' refers to the significant body of material, primarily sayings of Jesus, that is common to both the Gospels of Matthew and Luke but is absent from the Gospel of Mark.
What does the principle 'Lectio Difficilior Potior' suggest about textual readings?
Answer: The more difficult reading is stronger and more likely original.
The principle 'Lectio Difficilior Potior' posits that textual readings which are more difficult or complex are generally considered stronger evidence of originality, as scribes tend to simplify or harmonize texts.
The 'Q source' is a hypothetical document proposed to explain material shared between Matthew and Luke that is absent in which Gospel?
Answer: The Gospel of Mark
The 'Q source' is hypothesized to explain the material common to Matthew and Luke but absent in Mark. Therefore, Mark is the Gospel in which this shared material is missing.
Mark's Gospel contains numerous Latinisms. What might this suggest, according to some scholars?
Answer: It was intended for a Latin-speaking audience or influenced by Latin.
The presence of numerous Latinisms in Mark's Greek text leads some scholars to infer that the Gospel may have been composed for, or significantly influenced by, a Latin-speaking context, possibly Rome.
Richard Bauckham's argument regarding Mark's content suggests it is limited to what:
Answer: Peter himself witnessed or learned from associates.
Richard Bauckham argues that the specific material included in Mark's Gospel corresponds to the eyewitness testimony available through the Apostle Peter and his close associates, suggesting a direct and early source.
The prevailing tradition among early Church Fathers, including Augustine of Hippo, generally posited that the Gospel of Matthew was the first Gospel written, not the Gospel of Mark.
Answer: True
The consensus among many early Church Fathers, notably Augustine, was that Matthew was the first Gospel composed. This contrasts with the hypothesis of Marcan priority, which suggests Mark was the earliest.
Papias of Hierapolis reported that the evangelist Mark compiled his Gospel based on the preaching of the Apostle Paul.
Answer: False
Papias of Hierapolis stated that Mark compiled his Gospel from the preaching of the Apostle Peter, not Paul. He also mentioned Matthew's Gospel was written in the 'Hebrew dialect'.
Ephrem the Syrian stated that Matthew wrote in Hebrew, Mark in Latin, and Luke in Greek.
Answer: True
Ephrem the Syrian, a 4th-century theologian, recorded traditions suggesting Matthew wrote in Hebrew, Mark in Latin, and Luke in Greek. While the claim about Mark's Latin composition is debated, the canonical Gospel of Mark does contain numerous Latinisms.
Irenaeus, in his writings, suggested that the Gospel of Mark was the first Gospel written, followed by Matthew and Luke.
Answer: False
Irenaeus generally presented Matthew as the first Gospel, followed by Luke and Mark, though his precise order and interpretation of dependence are subjects of scholarly discussion. He did not advocate for Marcan priority.
Clement of Alexandria suggested that the Gospels containing genealogies (Matthew and Luke) were written after Mark.
Answer: False
Clement of Alexandria's statement is complex and debated, but it is generally interpreted as suggesting the Gospels with genealogies (Matthew and Luke) were written *before* Mark, or at least that Mark was later than the genealogical accounts. This contradicts Marcan priority.
Origen enumerated the Gospels in an order suggesting Matthew was first, followed by Mark, then Luke.
Answer: True
Origen's enumeration of the Gospels, often interpreted chronologically, lists Matthew first, followed by Mark, then Luke, and finally John. This sequence supports the hypothesis of Marcan priority.
Augustine of Hippo viewed Mark as an independent work, unrelated to Matthew or Luke.
Answer: False
Augustine's views on the Synoptic Gospels evolved, but he generally saw Mark as dependent on Matthew and Luke, or at least closely related, rather than entirely independent. He did not support Marcan priority.
The general consensus among the Church Fathers was that the Synoptic Gospels were composed independently, with Matthew typically considered the first written.
Answer: True
The majority of early Church Fathers believed the Synoptic Gospels were largely independent compositions, with Matthew usually identified as the earliest. This perspective contrasts sharply with modern scholarly hypotheses emphasizing literary dependence.
Which early Church Father's tradition generally regarded Matthew as the first Gospel written?
Answer: Augustine of Hippo
Augustine of Hippo, among other Church Fathers, adhered to the tradition that Matthew was the first Gospel written, a view that formed the basis for Matthean priority arguments.
Papias of Hierapolis reported that the evangelist Mark compiled his Gospel based on the preaching of which apostle?
Answer: Peter
Papias of Hierapolis, an early Church Father, recorded that Mark served as an interpreter for Peter and compiled his Gospel from Peter's oral accounts of Jesus' ministry.
Clement of Alexandria's statement regarding the Gospels containing genealogies being written 'before' Mark is interpreted by some scholars as support for:
Answer: Marcan posteriority
Clement of Alexandria's statement that the Gospels with genealogies (Matthew and Luke) were written 'before' Mark has been interpreted by some scholars as evidence for Marcan posteriority, meaning Mark was written later than Matthew and Luke.