Assignment 5

Samson Covatch

Biblical Interpretation / Assignment 5

Dr. Wesley Hill

Assuming “Markan priority” (i.e., that Mark’s Gospel was written first) and that Luke has his reasons for differing from Matthew, provide brief answers for the following questions:

Which of the accounts seem to parallel each other most closely?

Matthew and Luke in length and most content.

What are the major divergences between the accounts?

The use of the name Satan is only used in Mark and Matthew. Jesus is led by the Spirit in Matthew and Luke but immediately driven by the Spirit in Mark. Matthew and Luke have Jesus tempted by the devil, Mark by Satan Matt & Mk have angels ministering Lk does not. Matt and Lk have a discourse where Mk does not.

Between Matthew and Luke

Deut 8:3 quoted in full by Matt, only part by Luke After the bread temptation Lk and Matt order the next two temptations differently Matt refers to the Holy city while Lk names Jerusalem Matt speaks of the glory of the kingdoms shown where Lk describes a “moment in time” then their glory. Only Lk claims the devil has control of the kingdoms that were given to him and he has the power to give them to who he wills. Matt refers to the devil as Satan to cast him away by saying “Begone, Satan!”. Lk has the devil leaving on his own accord after every temptation had ended.

If Luke knew Matthew’s Gospel, how then do we explain his divergence from Matthew?

Luke stated, “1 Now many have undertaken to compile an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 like the accounts passed on to us by those who were eyewitnesses and servants of the word from the beginning. 3 So it seemed good to me as well, because I have followed all things carefully from the beginning, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know for certain the things you were taught.” (Lk 1:1-4 NET). He was more thorough than Mathew in what he thinks were important details.

Can you see any reason for him to make changes to Matthew’s version?

To save space by not quoting the whole of Deut 8:3 and to foreshadow the devil returning for the ultimate defeat.