story but an all-pervasive perspective on the entire story: The one
remembered is believed to be powerfully alive among those who
are remembering.• Because of the long process of memory and compilation, the
Gospels have an unusual layered quality.
o The most available level is that of the evangelist’s literary
work, in which earlier traditions are organized and shaped into
a narrative providing a portrait of Jesus.
o Next most available are the signs of oral tradition that still
cling to many parts of the Gospel narratives.o Least accessible are the actual words and deeds of Jesus as
they were spoken or performed in Palestine some 40 years
before these accounts were written by those believing in his
Resurrection and exaltation as Lord.• The four canonical Gospels share a relative degree of
interdependence and a relative degree of independence.
o The three Gospels called “Synoptic” (Matthew, Mark,
and Luke) have a demonstrable literary interdependence.
Similarities in language, material, and sequence require that
such literary dependence take place at the level of written
compositions: One was written first, and the others used it in
their composition.
o The majority of critical scholars conclude that Mark wrote
first and that Matthew and Luke used his Gospel as a source
independently. Matthew and Luke also share material not
found in Mark (often attributed to Q); finally, both Matthew
and Luke have material unique to each.o In one sense, Matthew and Luke can be regarded as expanded
(and, by their light, improved) versions of Mark’s Gospel.