8.35

Luke’s Use of Mark (Box 8.2)

According to the dominant source theories, Luke preserves only a little more than half of the Gospel of Mark, and he edits what he does preserve in accord with certain principles. Studying these editorial changes is the work of redaction critics (see “Redaction Criticism” in chap. 3 of the textbook).

Organization

Some Markan material is moved about.

        Examples:

Abbreviation

Luke omits from Mark’s stories what he considers to be insignificant or inappropriate.

        Examples:

Note: Matthew’s Gospel also omits this Markan material (Matt. 9:20–22; 17:14–18; 26:47–56).

Sophistication

Casual or colloquial expressions are rewritten in the more polished Greek of the educated class.

        Examples:

Accuracy

Instances of questionable accuracy are corrected.

        Examples:

Contextual Relevance

Some changes make things more relevant to Luke’s intended audience.

        Examples:

Character Portrayal

Luke changes the way major characters are portrayed in the Gospel story, including Jesus, his disciples, and his family.

Jesus

Disciples

Jesus’s family