Reception of the Twelve in Matthew and Luke: Comparing the Current Synoptic Hypotheses

Abstract

On the Markan priority, the portrayal and development of the Twelve belong to the most iconic improvements of Matthew and Luke over Mark’s gospel. Going back to the 19th century, proponents of Matthew’s and Luke’s independence have pointed out Luke’s non-use of Matthean additions to Mark, including such passages as Matthew 9:9; 14:28-31; 16:17-19; 17:24-27. In recent decades, defenders of the Farrer hypothesis (Luke’s use of Matthew) have attempted to explain Luke’s failure to take over Matthew’s changes of Mark in these instances with a range of proposals. This article takes up the debate, responding to the arguments of the Farrer scholars and engaging the recently resurgent Matthean Posteriority hypothesis (Matthew’s use of Luke) which, it will be suggested, faces a similar set of issues.

Gnats, Camels, and Matthew’s Use of Luke

“…Olegs Andrejevs (2022a) adopts a method that, at first sight at least, is clear and simple. If Matthew shows a consistent redactional tendency in his use of Mark, then it is reasonable to expect the same tendency in his use of Luke.…”

“…Andrejevs (2022a: 242). This list, to which I have added descriptive detail, derives from the discussion in John Kloppenborg (2003: 121).…”

“… 2 Olegs Andrejevs (2022a: 233): ‘The discussion concerning the synoptic problem appears to have reached an important consensus: the hypothesis of Markan priority today is sufficiently secure to form the presupposition to virtually all new synoptic studies.’ …”

“… 27 See, for example, Andrejevs (2022a: 7–8), who notes that Matthew’s characters tend to address Jesus as κύριε where Luke’s characters may use a less exalted form of address. …”