The Orthodoxy of the 'Q’ Sayings of Jesus

Abstract

Many recent studies of ‘Q’ presuppose that it reflects a ‘variant’ or ‘second sphere’ of primitive Christianity which was not influenced by the preaching of the cross. This assumption is misleading, however, because Jesus’ sayings, as represented in Q, are fully compatible in content with their synoptic contexts. The lack of allusions in Q to Jesus’ death and resurrection reflect the historical span of time in the early to middle stages of his ministry when the sayings were originally voiced. Neither Matthew, Mark, nor Luke contain full-blown early church doctrines of the atonement, therefore, Q does not contradict its synoptic environment