Synoptic tradition and Q studies

The course deals with the Synoptic tradition and so-called “Spruchquelle” (Q) as well as with the individual sources of all three Synoptics and their possible interrelations. Moreover, the following topics will be discussed in the course: (1) the synoptic problem and the various solutions that have been proposed from antiquity onwards Ι, (2) the synoptic problem and the various solutions that have been proposed from antiquity onwards ΙΙ, (3) the oral and written sources of the Synoptic Gospels (Lord, Bailey, Dunn), (4) the oral and written sources of the Synoptic Gospels (Bryskog, LeDonn),(5) Q and its significance in the Early Church, (6) Q and the Gospel of Thomas (7) the literary and theological interdependence and interactions among the three gospels, (8) Mark and its sources, (9) the individual material of Matthew and Luke, (10) theological themes and motifs of the Synoptics and their role and place within their narrative structure I, (11) (11) θεολογικά θέματα και μοτίβα κι η θέση τους μέσα στην αφηγηματική δομή των τριών συνοπτικών ΙI, (12) the Passion narrative, and (13) the probable relation between the Synoptic Gospels and the Gospel of John.

Objectives

After the successful completion of the course the students: (a) will have acquired a critical and in depth knowledge of the Synoptic Gospels and the they will be able to describe coherently and clearly the problems that are related to them as well as to suggest solutions (b) will be able to to distinguish among the various sources of the Synoptics and to explain their interrelation (c) will be able to discern the particular theological themers and motifs of the three Synoptic Gospels and to explain their role withing the narrative structure of the plot of each Gospel (d) will be able to compare the various synoptic texts and to trace similarities and differences among them and to deal critically with theological and historical factors that led to them.

Prerequisites

• Introduction to the NT • Exegesis of the synoptics No prerequisite courses

Syllabus

The course deals with the Synoptic tradition and so-called “Spruchquelle” (Q) as well as with the individual sources of all three Synoptics and their possible interrelations. Moreover, the following topics will be discussed in the course: (1) the synoptic problem and the various solutions that have been proposed from antiquity onwards Ι, (2) the synoptic problem and the various solutions that have been proposed from antiquity onwards ΙΙ, (3) the oral and written sources of the Synoptic Gospels (Lord, Bailey, Dunn), (4) the oral and written sources of the Synoptic Gospels (Bryskog, LeDonn),(5) Q and its significance in the Early Church, (6) Q and the Gospel of Thomas (7) the literary and theological interdependence and interactions among the three gospels, (8) Mark and its sources, (9) the individual material of Matthew and Luke, (10) theological themes and motifs of the Synoptics and their role and place within their narrative structure I, (11) (11) θεολογικά θέματα και μοτίβα κι η θέση τους μέσα στην αφηγηματική δομή των τριών συνοπτικών ΙI, (12) the Passion narrative, and (13) the probable relation between the Synoptic Gospels and the Gospel of John.