Are there any quotes that scholars think can be traced back to Jesus that were amended/edited/tweaked in some way by one of the gospel writers? For example, it’s unlikely Jesus referred to baptizing in the name of “the Father, Son and Holy Spirit,” isn’t it? That formula was developed later, I assume.
Any original sayings of Jesus that were tweaked?
Thanks!
– john
The example that occurs to me are the variant readings between Matthew 5:3 and Luke 6:20.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:3
“Then he looked up at his disciples and said: ‘Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.'” – Luke 6:20
The thought among scholars is that Luke has the original saying and Matthew qualified it so that it switches the focus from Jesus’ privileging of the poor, to the believers themselves. “Poor” is no longer a matter of economics but becomes a spiritual state.
To Stephen’s example, I think the best chance at getting to what you’re looking for is in cases where passages exist in multiple sources.
Another example might be Mark 4:40 and Matthew 8:26: O ye of little and/or no faith…I believe the difference between the two passages is generally explained by Matthew’s mustard seed tendencies.
Poly
The beatitudes are beautiful thoughts about those blessed by God and in Matthew’s account are close enough to indicate Jesus was not just preaching of himself or some new revelation, but stringing together passages the bring clarity to what it means to properly understand and implement the will of God. As such, his teachings accompany the Law, Psalms and Prophets?
For example, here are a few from my study notes:
- Matthew 4:4; “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Deu. 8:3
- 4:7; “You shall not tempt the LORD your God.” Deu. 6:16
- 4:10; “You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.” Deu. 6:13
- “Leave enemy, for it is written that you will worship Master YHWH your Elohim and Him alone you will serve.” Deu. 6:13
- 4:17; “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
- “Y’shua would preach in all Galeela and would teach in their assemblies. And he preached the Hope of the Kingdom and healed every disease and sickness among the people.
- ‘Blessed’ (goodness towards you) ‘are they who are poor in spirit, because theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.’ Is 57:15; 66:2
- ‘Blessed are they who are mourning, because they will be comforted. Is 61:2; 66:10-12
- ‘Blessed are they who are meek because they will inherit the earth. Ps 37:11; 149:4
- ‘Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness because they will be satisfied. Ze 2:3; Ps 11:3-7; Is 66:11,12
- ‘Blessed are they who are merciful because mercies will be upon them. Ps 18:25; 2 Sa 22:26
- ‘Blessed are they who are pure in their hearts because they will see Elohim. Ps 24:4; 51:10; 15:1,2
- ‘Blessed are they who make peace because they will be called the sons of Elohim Ps 122:8,9; Is 26:12; Ps 72:3-7
- ‘Blessed are they who are persecuted because of righteousness because theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Ps 38:20; Is 66:5
- Blessed are you whenever they curse you and they persecute you and they say every evil word about you falsely because of me. Ps 119: 85-87
BDEhrman
FreedomBen
evgendob
Robert
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