Question 1

If genre criticism uncovers the same points uncovered by redaction criticism, then why use the redactional approach?

Accepted Answer

A)   To compare the two texts in an attempt to find any differences in the points made
B)   Editorial activity provides more empirical evidence for the aim of the text.
C)   To show that the Gospels stand up to any method of scrutiny
D)   As a means of interpretation B

Question 2

Redaction criticism can be used to compare any two ancient texts.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False  False

Question 3

A redactor is:

Accepted Answer

A)   A historian who studies texts
B)   An editor
C)   A type of Gospel
D)   A cosmic figure B

Question 4

Describe what scholars refer to as the Synoptic Problem. Do you think there is a problem? How do you think it is best solved?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe what scholars refer to as the...

Question 5

Matthew and Luke:

Accepted Answer

A)   Sometimes change Mark to change theological emphases
B)   Sometimes change Mark because Mark was not an eyewitness
C)   Sometimes change Mark in order to summarize the text for ancient readers
D)   Never change Mark

Question 6

Which of the following is a common change to Mark made by both Matthew and Luke?

Accepted Answer

A)   Reshuffling the sequence of the narrative
B)   Lengthening a story
C)   Altering Mark's wording for better grammar
D)   Reducing the amount of dialogue

Question 7

The Gospels of Matthew and Luke present their narrative in the same sequence for the stories they share with Mark.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 8

Which Gospel is Q most likely similar to?

Accepted Answer

A)   John
B)   Mark
C)   Mary
D)   Thomas

Question 9

Discuss the four sources many scholars believe lie behind the Synoptic Gospels. How are they related? What is their character (oral or written)?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the four sources many scholars believe...

Question 10

Most scholars who believe in the existence of Q think _________ more likely preserved its original sequence.

Accepted Answer

A)   Mark
B)   Matthew
C)   Luke
D)   John

Question 11

The argument of "sequence of the narrative" suggests:

Accepted Answer

A)   Matthew and Luke follow Mark's sequence of stories.
B)   Matthew and Mark follow Luke's sequence of stories.
C)   Luke and Mark follow Matthew's sequence of stories.
D)   Matthew and Luke follow Q's sequence of stories.

Question 12

One of the underlying theoretical presuppositions of redaction criticism is that the way an author changes his source material indicates his narrative intent. Is this contention persuasive to you? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of One of the underlying theoretical presuppositions of...

Question 13

The Gospels of Matthew and Luke most likely used the Gospel of Mark as a source.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 14

Markan priority depends on the Four-Source Hypothesis.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 15

Most scholars believe that Q contained mostly:

Accepted Answer

A)   Jesus' birth narrative
B)   Jesus' sayings
C)   Jesus' death narrative
D)   Stories of Jesus' resurrection appearances

Question 16

Redaction criticism is:

Accepted Answer

A)   A study of how an author changes his source
B)   A study of the end of times
C)   A criticism of historical constructions of Jesus
D)   A critical inquiry into the nature of miracles

Question 17

The "Four-Source Hypothesis" relies on the idea that:

Accepted Answer

A)   Mark was written first.
B)   Q was written first.
C)   There were four distinct sources that were employed in the writing of Mark.
D)   Jesus' words are difficult to comprehend, and therefore you need multiple sources to explain them

Question 18

Where was Q finally discovered?

Accepted Answer

A)   A cave in Qumran
B)   Q is a hypothetical document
C)   Near the Dead Sea
D)   It was discovered to be an oral tradition passed down by the Essenes.

Question 19

Two narratives that Q probably did contain are:

Accepted Answer

A)   Jesus' birth and genealogy
B)   Jesus' genealogy and temptation
C)   Jesus' temptation and the healing of the centurion's servant
D)   Jesus' birth and the healing of the centurion's servant

Question 20

In addition to Mark, both Matthew and Luke used:

Accepted Answer

A)   M
B)   L
C)   John
D)   Q

Exam 7: The Synoptic Problem and Its Significance for Interpretation

If genre criticism uncovers the same points uncovered by redaction criticism, then why use the redactional approach?

Redaction criticism can be used to compare any two ancient texts.

A redactor is:

Describe what scholars refer to as the Synoptic Problem. Do you think there is a problem? How do you think it is best solved?

Matthew and Luke:

Which of the following is a common change to Mark made by both Matthew and Luke?

The Gospels of Matthew and Luke present their narrative in the same sequence for the stories they share with Mark.

Which Gospel is Q most likely similar to?

Discuss the four sources many scholars believe lie behind the Synoptic Gospels. How are they related? What is their character (oral or written)?

Most scholars who believe in the existence of Q think _________ more likely preserved its original sequence.

The argument of "sequence of the narrative" suggests:

One of the underlying theoretical presuppositions of redaction criticism is that the way an author changes his source material indicates his narrative intent. Is this contention persuasive to you? Why or why not?

The Gospels of Matthew and Luke most likely used the Gospel of Mark as a source.

Markan priority depends on the Four-Source Hypothesis.

Most scholars believe that Q contained mostly:

Redaction criticism is:

The "Four-Source Hypothesis" relies on the idea that:

Where was Q finally discovered?

Two narratives that Q probably did contain are:

In addition to Mark, both Matthew and Luke used: