Beyond the Fourfold Gospel: A Critical Reading of Francis Watson's Gospel Writing: A Canonical Perspective. (December 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Omerzu, Heike
• Is Part Of: Journal for the study of the New Testament. Volume 37:Number 2(2014:Dec.)
• Page Start: 201
• Page End: 209
• Publication Date: 2014-12
• Subjects: Sayings Source Q -- Sayings Collection genre -- gospel origins -- fourfold gospel -- non-canonical writings -- historical Jesus; 225.605
• DOI: 10.1177/0142064X14557603
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0142-064X

Abstract

This article discusses Francis Watson's fresh approach to the origins of gospel writing. In general, Watson's attempt to revisit the history of the Synoptic Problem by questioning Q and integrating non-canonical writings is greatly appreciated. Some questions are, however, raised regarding, for instance, the extent to which Luke made use of Matthew or the existence of a Christian 'Sayings Collection' genre. It is argued that an explanation of the Synoptic Problem demands a more complex theory than the one sketched by Watson and that the question of manuscript transmission also needs to be integrated into that theory.