Explain How And Why Matthew May Have Edited Mark's Gospel
Explain How And Why Matthew May Have Edited Marks Gospel Use The Fol
Explain how and why Matthew may have edited Mark's Gospel. Use the following two sets of passages to support your claim. According to course materials (Bible, textbook, digital materials linked below, etc.): 1. How and why would Matthew have edited Mark 6:45-52 contrasted with Matthew 14:25-27,32-33? 2. How and why would Matthew have edited Mark 9:2-10 contrasted with Matthew 17:1-13? Be sure to distinguish between paraphrase and direct quotes. Type a word paper using MLA formatting. Submit the completed assignment to the appropriate See the ebook via SLU library: New Testament History and Literature by Martin (2012), pp. . See the ebook via SLU library: The Gospels by Barton and Muddiman (2010), p. 56.
Paper For Above instruction
The Gospel of Matthew is widely recognized among biblical scholars for its distinctive editorial features, which suggest that the author selectively edited existing material, including texts from Mark’s Gospel. These editorial choices serve theological and pastoral purposes, emphasizing themes and messages aligned with Matthew’s community. This paper explores how and why Matthew might have edited Mark’s Gospel, focusing on two specific passages: Mark 6:45-52 contrasted with Matthew 14:25-27, 32-33, and Mark 9:2-10 contrasted with Matthew 17:1-13. The analysis considers the differences in wording, context, and theological emphasis, drawing from scholarly insights to understand Matthew’s redaction motives.
Firstly, examining the passage involving Jesus walking on water, Mark 6:45-52 describes Jesus’ miraculous act and his disciples' fear. Mark emphasizes their confusion, stating that they did not understand about the loaves, which signifies their lack of faith (Mark 6:52). Matthew, however, in Matthew 14:25-33, adds a more detailed narrative, including Peter’s attempt to walk on water and the disciples’ worship of Jesus, declaring him the Son of God. Matthew’s version introduces a more prominent declaration of Jesus’ divine identity and the disciples' recognition of Jesus as Lord. Matthew likely edited Mark to heighten the theological emphasis on Jesus’ divine authority and recognition by his followers. The contrast indicates Matthew’s intent to reinforce faith in Jesus as divine, especially in the context of need and crisis.
Secondly, the comparison of Mark 9:2-10 and Matthew 17:1-13 reveals further editorial motives. Mark narrates the Transfiguration succinctly, focusing on the vision and the voice from the cloud. Mark notes the disciples' fear and the command to listen to Jesus (Mark 9:7-8). Matthew’s account, meanwhile, includes additional dialogue, especially Peter’s response and the explicit command to "listen to him" (Matthew 17:5). Matthew emphasizes the divine authority of Jesus and the importance of heeding his teachings, aligning with his community’s needs for theological clarity and authority. Matthew may have edited Mark here to accentuate Jesus’ divine sonship and to underscore the significance of the Transfiguration as a revelation of Jesus’ divine glory.
The differing theological emphases reflect Matthew’s desire to present Jesus as the messianic Son of God with divine authority, in contrast to Mark’s more concise storytelling. Matthew’s editorial modifications serve to elevate the theological themes of faith, recognition, and divine authority, making these more prominent for his community.
In conclusion, Matthew’s editing of Mark’s Gospel appears motivated by theological concerns—particularly the affirmation of Jesus’ divine identity and authority—and pastoral needs to strengthen faith among his community. By adding details, emphasizing divine recognition, and clarifying the importance of listening to Jesus, Matthew adapts Mark’s narratives to support his own theological and pastoral agendas. These editorial choices, exemplified by the contrasting passages examined, demonstrate Matthew’s intent to craft a Gospel that underscores the divine nature of Jesus and encourages faith among his readers.
References
Martin, Dale B. New Testament History and Literature. SBL Press, 2012.
Barton, John, and John Muddiman. The Gospels. Cambridge University Press, 2010.