Lecture Notes on the Q Source

Introduction to Q

• Q Source: Hypothetical ancient document containing sayings of Jesus.
  • Believed to be written in Greek.
  • Predates Canonical Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).
  • No physical manuscript evidence exists.
• Significance:
  • Believed to be a source used by Matthew and Luke.
  • Explains material found in both Matthew and Luke but not in Mark.

Key Concepts and Terminology

• Source Criticism:
  • Academic study examining sources used by Biblical authors.
  • Recognizes that information came from various sources, not solely divine revelation.
• Synoptic Gospels:
  • Refers to Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
  • Synoptikos (Greek): "together view" — these Gospels have similar perspectives and narratives.
• Christology:
  • Study of the nature of Christ.
  • Mark has the lowest Christology among the Gospels, emphasizing Jesus' humanity.

The Synoptic Problem

• Definition:
  • Puzzle of how the Synoptic Gospels relate to one another.
  • Why do Matthew and Luke share content not in Mark?

Evidence for the Q Source

• Mark’s Priority:
  • Mark believed to be the first Gospel written.
  • Mark’s length and low Christology suggest earlier origin.
• Sequence of Events:
  • Matthew and Luke have consistent sequences when using Mark.
  • Different sequences when sharing material not found in Mark.
• Verbatim Sayings:
  • Almost identical sayings in Matthew and Luke suggest a common source.
  • Q represents a sayings source without narrative context.

Arguments Against Q

• Alternative Theories:
  • Matthew and Luke could have used oral traditions or other sources.
  • Possibility of Matthew and Luke copying from each other.
• Lack of Manuscript Evidence:
  • Early skepticism due to absence of physical "sayings source" manuscripts.

Supporting Discoveries

• Gospel of Thomas:
  • Found in 1945, a sayings source without context.
  • Written in Coptic, believed to be originally Greek.
  • Strengthened belief in hypothetical sayings sources.

Conclusion

• Q's Possibility:
  • Despite controversies, Q explains shared content in Matthew and Luke effectively.
  • Continuous debate among scholars.

Bonus Facts

• Letter Q:
  • Least common in the English language.
  • Not found in any U.S. state name.