From: "Stevan Davies" To: crosstalk@info.harpercollins.com Date: Mon, 3 Feb 1997 17:00:59 +0000 Subject: Re:47 sayings - Carlson Stephen Carlson wrote: > This is another example of the larger group in Mark. Mark says "those > around him with the 12"; Matthew merely "the disciples". As a result, > the effect of Mk4:11 "To you have been given the SECRET of the kingdom > of God" (cf. Mt v11a "SECRETS" = Lk8:10 "SECRETS") is broader, for a > larger group of people. (The minor agreement of Mt and Lk against Mk > have caused some to conclude that Mark is secondary here. The singular > is Pauline; the plural is more Jewish, from Daniel.) SECRETS is found in Thomas62a mysteria (pl) mysterion (s). > Mk 4:33 "With MANY SUCH parables, he spoke the word to them" > Mt13:34 "Jesus told the crowd ALL THESE THINGS in parables" > > Mark's wording implies that he is aware of omitted material. Matthew > has more material (parable of the weeds and p. of the leaven). I hadn't noticed that. Nice point. > Thus, Mark took the secret teachings for the disciples found in proto- > Matthew, and turned it around. The secret teachings were given to a > larger group; the disciples didn't understand them; and Mark adds > parables about disclosing the secrets. > Therefore, Mark inherited the theme of secret teachings but weakened it. By a casual count I find Jesus specifically addressing disciples sixteen times in the Gospel of Thomas. Many of the sayings mentioned in your letter (virtually all of Mark 4 sayings, 7:14, maybe 10:8 are in Thomas). Thomas introduces itself as "These are the secret sayings...." Why shouldn't I think that Mark inherited the theme of secret sayings from Thomas, especially since Mark's chapter 4 that is most particularly concerned with the subject is a pastiche of materials also found in Thomas? Steve