This book makes a major contribution to the ongoing debate about the synoptic problem, especially concerning the question of which gospel was written first. The scholarly consensus, developed over two hundred years of discussion, has favoured Markan priority and the dependence of both Matthew and Luke upon Mark. In an ongoing contemporary revival of the Griesbach hypothesis, some scholars have advocated the view that Mark used, conflated and abbreviated Matthew and Luke. The author explores the role played by arguments connected with christological development in support of both these views. Deploying a comparative redaction-critical approach to the problem, Dr Head argues that the critical basis of the standard christological argument for Markan priority is insecure and based on anachronistic scholarly concerns. Nevertheless, in a through-going comparative reappraisal of the christological outlooks of Matthew and Mark the author finds decisive support for the hypothesis of Markan priority, arguing that Matthew was a developer rather than a corrector of Mark.

The first thorough scholarly treatment of the christological argument for Markan priority.
Reviews
"It will be an important acquisition for libraries and interested specialists." Daniel A. Smith, Religious Studies Review



Book Information
ISBN 9780521018890
Author Peter M. Head
Format Paperback
Page Count 356
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 465g
Dimensions(mm) 217mm * 140mm * 21mm