Wisdom in the Q-Tradition
The Aphoristic Teaching of Jesus

Studies collections of aphoristic sayings of Jesus know as the 'Q' sayings tradition.

Ronald Allen Piper (Author)

9780521609425, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 23 December 2004

336 pages
21.5 x 14 x 2 cm, 0.455 kg

One of the least well-researched aspects of the teaching of Jesus found in the gospels is the use of proverbs, or aphorisms. Whilst the parables of Jesus have drawn great interest and study, this other kind of saying has been relatively neglected, although it is equally if not more prominent in the gospel-tradition. The present study is an attempt to show how these proverbial or aphoristic sayings played an important role in the early formulation of the sayings of Jesus by the church. Small collections of aphoristic sayings can be detected in the sayings tradition known as 'Q'. These collections reveal markedly similar structures and concepts, which lead one to suspect that they have been compiled by a unique group which had a particular interest in 'wisdom'. These findings are then tested by analysing other aphoristic sayings outside the collections and by relating the results to other studies which have approached the question of 'wisdom' in the Jesus-tradition from other angles.

Preface
Abbreviations
Introduction
1. Aphoristic wisdom and the New Testament era
2. Collections of aphoristic sayings in the double tradition
3. The use of aphoristic sayings outside the aphoristic collections
4. The place of aphoristic wisdom in the sapiential traditions of the double tradition
5. Conclusion
Notes
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Biblical studies & exegesis [HRCG]