INTERPRETING THE TEXT
This topic looks at the Synoptic Problem (including proto-Gospels, the priority of Mark, Q source, 2-source and 4-source solutions) as well as source criticism, form criticism and redaction criticism
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This topic looks at different theories about John's Gospel, including purpose (including spiritual Gospel, life in his Name, messiah, Son of God and conversion) and authorship. The key scholars are Raymond E. Brown and C.H. Dodd.
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Although John's Gospel is (probably) the latest in terms of composition, it's the earliest in terms of physical evidence. The oldest example of a Gospel yet discovered is the Rylands Library Papyrus P52. This fragment of papyrus (an ancient form of paper) was discovered in an Egyptian market in 1920. It contains a fragment from John 18 on the front and back: the scene where Pontius Pilate asks Jesus, "Are you the King of the Jews?" It has been dated to the early 2nd century CE.
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However, some Gospels were forced 'underground'. The Gospel of Thomas seems to have been suppressed by the Bishop in Egypt in the 4th century CE. Along with other forbidden texts, its owners buried it in a sealed pot and it lay undiscovered for over 1500 years until it was accidentally dug up by Muslim farmers in 1945. These ancient books are known as the Nag Hammadi Library (after the town near where they were found).
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