According to the standard theory of Synoptic Gospel composition Matthew produces an edited or rewritten version of Mark, adding material from the Q source, as well as some of his own material (M). Although we have no specific date for Matthew, most scholars put him in the period from 75-85 C.E., a decade or so after Mark. Accordingly, in reading Matthew we encounter a multilevel task. First, we can concentrate on how and in what ways he uses or incorporates the Markan narrative. Second, we can examine his arrangement and incorporation of the Q source (with Luke's Q for comparison). Third, we can consider what the M material adds to the tradition. Finally, we want to ask how Matthew functions overall as a finished work, leaving aside the former questions of its individual and edited components. In other words, we want to ultimately read Matthew as Matthew, as an independent and finished contribution. In examining Matthew it is useful then
to pay attention to three major elements: Structure, Style, and Content.
Notice how Matthew (1 & 2) begins with a Geneology
and a Birth Narrative, in contrast to Mark. Matthew incorporates the Q material in five large blocks
or Discourses, each with a similar ending or transition statement: "And
when Jesus had finished all these sayings..." You should first
mark the Q material in a text of Matthew with some color-coded system,
then note the following: Notice the expanded ending found in Matthew 28.
Note carefully the following passages where Matthew rewrites or edits sections of Mark. What are his general tendencies in this regard? Healing Leper: Matt 8:1-4 (Mark 1:40-45) [TM#45]
Note the critical ways in which Matthew recasts certain
key Markan sections and evaluate the results: What happens to Mark's "secrecy" motif throughout Matthew? Watch for the following key themes throughout, but
especially in the M materials: |
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