Data Over Dogma Episode 69: Gospel Authorship with Michael Kok
Jul 29, 2024
In this riveting discussion, Bible scholar Michael Kok dives into the controversial topic of Gospel authorship. He reveals why many scholars doubt that the apostles Matthew and John wrote the texts attributed to them. Kok shares fascinating detective work from biblical scholarship that examines early traditions and church influences. The complexities of Papias's writings and their significance in early Christianity also take center stage. Expect intriguing insights that could challenge your understanding of these foundational texts!
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Gospels Originally Anonymous
- Michael Kok argues the four canonical Gospels were originally anonymous and later received titles by scribes in the second century.
- Those second-century attributions reflect how later Christians received the texts, not necessarily how the Gospels originated.
From Bible College To Gospel Scholar
- Michael Kok recounts his path from Baptist Bible college student to PhD researching second-century gospel reception.
- His niche became tracing how later Christians systematized gospel authorship traditions.
Papias Is Influential But Ambiguous
- Papias provides early testimony linking Mark with Peter and Matthew with a Hebrew collection, but his fragments are ambiguous and preserved indirectly.
- Kok treats Papias as influential for later traditions but warns his statements don't decisively prove our Gospels' original forms.