Gospels
Gospels [1]
It is not intended here to give a résumé of the controversy that has raged over these few lines; but merely to state what seems to the present writer their most probable sense and value. The title of Papias’ book was Λογίων Κυριακῶν Ἐξήγησις. Besides Eusebius, Irenaeus seems to be the only writer, of those whose works have come down to us, who exhibits a first-hand acquaintance with the book of Papias. The other writers who allude to him evidently knew no more about him than what they found in Eusebius or Irenaeus. The nature of the work may be guessed from what Papias himself states in one of the fragments: ‘I shall not hesitate also to put down for you, along with my interpretations, whatsoever things I have at any time learned carefully from the elders.’ The book, then, had a twofold character: interpretations , and also oral traditions . It is these latter to which Eusebius refers when he says that the book contained ‘certain strange parables and teachings of the Saviour, and some other more mythical things’; and from the fact that Eusebius quotes from Papias two statements concerning the Gospels of Matthew and Mark respectively, it is at least probable that the interpretations dealt with our Gospels. Eusebius does not conceal his contempt for Papias’ literary capacity: ‘He appears to have been of very limited understanding (σφόδρα σμικρὸς τὸν
Copyright Statement These files are public domain.Text Courtesy of Biblesupport.Com. Used by Permission.
Bibliography Information Hastings, James. Entry for 'Gospels (2)'. Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/hdn/g/gospels-2.html. 1906-1918.
