The Synoptic Gospels-Matthew, Mark, and Luke-share many similarities, yet they also contain distinct variations. Scholars have long studied these differences to understand how each Gospel writer shaped their accounts. One of the key methods for this study is redaction criticism.
Redaction criticism examines how Gospel writers, known as evangelists, edited and arranged their sources to convey specific theological messages. This approach helps uncover the unique themes, purposes, and audiences of each Gospel.
In this topic, we will explore the definition of redaction criticism, its methodology, and how it applies to the Synoptic Gospels.
What Is Redaction Criticism?
1. Definition and Purpose
Redaction criticism is a method of biblical analysis that studies how authors edited or ‘redacted’ their sources. It looks at what was added, omitted, or modified to understand the theological and literary intentions of the writer.
For the Synoptic Gospels, redaction criticism helps answer key questions:
- How did each Gospel writer use their sources?
- What unique themes or messages did they emphasize?
- How do changes reflect the audience’s needs?
This method contrasts with source criticism, which focuses on identifying original sources, and form criticism, which examines oral traditions before they were written down.
2. Origins of Redaction Criticism
Redaction criticism emerged in the mid-20th century, primarily through scholars like Gà¼nther Bornkamm, Willi Marxsen, and Hans Conzelmann. They sought to move beyond seeing the Gospels as mere compilations of traditions and instead view them as theological works with distinct editorial choices.
This approach provided deeper insight into how the Gospel writers shaped their narratives to address their communities’ concerns.
Redaction Criticism and the Synoptic Gospels
Each of the three Synoptic Gospels presents the story of Jesus differently. By examining their redactional choices, we can understand the theological focus of each writer.
1. Redaction Criticism in the Gospel of Mark
Mark’s Role as the Primary Source
Most scholars believe that Mark was the first Gospel written (around 65-70 AD) and that Matthew and Luke used Mark as a source.
Mark’s Gospel is fast-paced, direct, and focused on Jesus’ suffering and humanity. It lacks many teachings found in Matthew and Luke, emphasizing Jesus as the suffering Son of God.
Mark’s Theological Themes
- The Messianic Secret – Jesus often tells people to keep His identity secret (Mark 1:34, 8:30).
- Suffering and Discipleship – Jesus predicts His suffering multiple times (Mark 8:31, 9:31, 10:33-34), showing that following Him requires sacrifice.
- Emphasis on Action – Mark includes more miracles than parables, presenting Jesus as a powerful figure in constant motion.
Mark’s editorial choices suggest that he was writing to an audience facing persecution, encouraging them to remain faithful despite suffering.
2. Redaction Criticism in the Gospel of Matthew
Matthew’s Use of Mark
Matthew’s Gospel (written around 80-90 AD) contains about 90% of Mark’s content, but with significant edits. Matthew adds, reorganizes, and expands material to highlight Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy.
Matthew’s Theological Themes
- Jesus as the Jewish Messiah – Matthew frequently quotes the Old Testament to show Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy (Matthew 1:22-23, 2:15).
- Emphasis on Teaching – Matthew includes five major discourses, such as the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), portraying Jesus as the new Moses.
- The Church and Discipleship – Unlike Mark, Matthew includes the term “churchâ (Matthew 16:18, 18:17), emphasizing community leadership.
By modifying Mark’s material, Matthew adapts the Gospel message for a Jewish-Christian audience, proving that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah.
3. Redaction Criticism in the Gospel of Luke
Luke’s Unique Perspective
Luke’s Gospel (written around 80-90 AD) also relies on Mark but has a more polished and detailed narrative. Luke was a skilled historian, writing for a Gentile (non-Jewish) audience.
Luke’s Theological Themes
- Jesus as the Savior for All People – Luke highlights Jesus’ concern for Gentiles, women, the poor, and sinners (Luke 4:18-19, 7:36-50).
- The Role of the Holy Spirit – Luke frequently mentions the Holy Spirit’s guidance in Jesus’ ministry (Luke 3:22, 4:1, 10:21).
- A Universal Gospel – Luke traces Jesus’ genealogy back to Adam instead of Abraham (Luke 3:38), showing that Jesus came for all humanity.
Luke’s redactional choices reflect his mission to make Christianity accessible beyond the Jewish community.
Key Examples of Redaction in the Synoptic Gospels
By comparing parallel passages, we can see how each Gospel writer shaped their message through redaction.
1. The Baptism of Jesus
- Mark 1:9-11 – A brief, straightforward account: Jesus is baptized, the heavens open, and a voice speaks.
- Matthew 3:13-17 – Adds a dialogue between John the Baptist and Jesus, emphasizing Jesus’ fulfillment of righteousness.
- Luke 3:21-22 – Mentions Jesus praying before His baptism, reinforcing Luke’s theme of prayer and the Holy Spirit.
2. The Temptation of Jesus
- Mark 1:12-13 – A short, vague description.
- Matthew 4:1-11 – Expands the story, presenting three specific temptations and Jesus quoting Scripture.
- Luke 4:1-13 – Reorders the temptations to end in Jerusalem, reinforcing Luke’s focus on the city as the center of salvation.
3. The Lord’s Prayer
- Matthew 6:9-13 – A longer, structured version, fitting Matthew’s emphasis on Jesus as a teacher.
- Luke 11:2-4 – A shorter, simpler version, reflecting Luke’s preference for a more direct message.
These differences show how each evangelist edited and arranged material to communicate specific theological messages.
The Importance of Redaction Criticism
1. Understanding Gospel Differences
Rather than contradictions, differences in the Gospels reflect unique theological perspectives. Redaction criticism helps us appreciate why each Gospel presents events differently.
2. Recognizing the Evangelists’ Theological Focus
Each Gospel writer had a distinct audience and purpose:
- Mark – Encourages persecuted Christians by emphasizing Jesus’ suffering.
- Matthew – Connects Jesus to Jewish prophecy, appealing to Jewish Christians.
- Luke – Highlights Jesus’ universal mission for all people.
3. Strengthening Biblical Interpretation
By studying how the Gospels were shaped, redaction criticism helps modern readers:
- Understand the historical and cultural context of the texts.
- See how theology influenced the writing of the Gospels.
- Gain a deeper appreciation for the richness of Scripture.
Redaction criticism is a valuable tool for understanding the Synoptic Gospels. By analyzing how Matthew, Mark, and Luke edited their sources, we gain insight into their unique theological messages and the communities they addressed.
Rather than viewing the Gospels as mere historical records, redaction criticism reveals them as thoughtfully crafted works that communicate profound truths about Jesus Christ.