Redaction Criticism

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Redaction Criticism
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Definition

• Respect for authors AS authors
• Examines editing and constructing for purpose
• Goal reconstruct theology of each author
• Not concerned with original form (Form Crit)
  rather, what is meaning of final form?

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Helps

• Concordance which words are Matthean,
  Markan, Lukan, and Johannine?
• Theological Themes ABD dictionary commentary
  introduction
• Mark messianic secret
• Matthew righteousness
• Luke sharing possessions
• Time of transmission eschatology waning?

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Example

• Gunther Bornkamm, The Stilling of the Storm in
  Matthew. In Tradition and Interpretation in
  Matthew (ed. Barth, Bornkamm, and Held).
• This is, perhaps, the greatest article on
  redaction-criticism in existenceand its only 6
  pages long!
• Mark 435-41 // Matthew 823-27

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Mark 435-41

• Jesus has calmed the storm, THEN a great fear
  falls on the disciples. The fear comes AFTER the
  miracle has happened.
• Disciples are constantly portrayed badly in Mark
  no faith, etc.
• other boats in the area simply a historical
  reference.

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Matthew 823-27

• Fear BEFORE the calming of the storm
• Matthew calls the people in the boat his
  disciples (those who follow Jesus). NO other
  boats boat represents people of God.
• shaking (like an earthquake)tied to Messianic
  Woes. Boat is covered up by the waves.
• They cry out Lord, save! (salvation in the
  ultimate sense)
• Point if you are a follower, even in tough
  times, if you cry Lord, savehe will!

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Example

• Transfiguration
• Mark 92-8 // Matthew 17 // Luke 9

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Redaction Critical Analysis

• Commencement after a number of days
• No indication of what preceded
• Mk Mt six Lk about eight
• Peter, James, and John mentioned (all 3)
• Matt calls John his (James) brother

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Redaction Critical Analysis

• Jesus bears them up reflects ascension into
  heaven in Greek literature
• Four travel into a high mountain place of
  solitude where outstanding events happen i.e.
  transfiguration, resurrection appearances, etc.
• Purpose for the trip?
• Only Luke to pray common theme in Luke
• Mk Mt Jesus was changed (metamorphao)
• 2 Cor. 318 reference to spiritual
  transformation, occurs from looking with unveiled
  face upon the face of God.
• Exodus 34 Moses face shone like the sun.
• Lk Jesus became different

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Redaction Critical Analysis

• Brightness of Jesus clothes
• Mk such as a fuller upon the earth is not able
  to whiten.
• Mt. Lk. edit this rugged phrase
• clothes and white used in NT with reference
  to heavenly beings at resurrection appearances
  cp. Angels at the tomb in heaven.

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Redaction Critical Analysis

• Mk Elijah appeared with Moses
• MT reverses the order! Moses as foremost prophet
  representing the law BEFORE the prophets.
• Connection with Matthews theology?
• appear found in 1 Cor. 154-8, referring to the
  resurrection of our bodies at His return.
• Lk two men appeared, such as were Moses and
  Elijah.
• Perhaps means, I cant prove it, but such was
  the consensus view.

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Redaction Critical Analysis

• They were speaking concerning Jesus exodus.
• Moses identified with OT exodus
• Elijah traveled upon fiery chariot in unique
  exodus
• Exodus seems to point toward ascension more so
  than death or resurrection.
• Lk. he was about to fulfill
• Mellein (immediate Lk. 1911, or future Lk.
  139).

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Redaction Critical Analysis

• Mk Peter answeredbut there is no question!
• However, the word answered often used in Mark
  when reacting to an event (Mk. 728)
• It is good for us to be here (all 3)
• Yet each use a different reference to Jesus.
• Mark rabbi
• Matthew Lord (kurios)
• Luke Master (epistata)
• Peters desire
• Mk indignant and immediately wishes to build 3
  tents.
• Mt form of a request for fulfilling the will of
  God

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Redaction Critical Analysis

• cloud (Acts 19) Christ ascends used
  frequently with reference to 2nd coming and
  divine judgment
• Mt disciples fell on faces in fear
• Jesus touched them a word denoting divine
  healing in Greek literature. (SIG 1169 Mt. 177
  Bauer 126)
• Mk Mt voice from heaven the beloved one
• Lk Jesus is the elected one. events of Jesus
  done since he was chosen compare choosing of
  Moses and Elijah

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MARKS MESSAGE

• Note careful references to resurrection
  appearances
• Wording reflects a resurrection story
• But placed in middle of Marks gospel!
• Could this be the missing ending, placed in the
  middle to reveal Jesus continuing mission in the
  hearts of his people and the disciples constant
  call to death?

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MATTHEWS MESSAGE

• Messiah as new Moses
• Re-ordering of two messengers
• Resurrection-like story, centers readers
  attention on the healing power of Jesus
• His touch continues to heal the wounded and
  fearful soul.
• Call of Messiah to rise up with Him and not to
  fear.

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LUKES MESSAGE

• Luke claims disciples saw the glory of Jesus.
  Cp. Jn 114 1 Peter 1.
• Jesus is matchless in glory, and most radiant in
  his prayer life.
• Since occurs while disciples sleep, could be a
  routine part of Jesus prayer life!
• Luke wants his readers to continue constantly in
  prayer, to witness to the glory of Jesus, and
  recognize him as the fulfillment.