23/83 He who had in his copy only discourses, wished to have narratives, and _vice versa_. It is thus that "the Gospel according to Matthew" is found to have included almost all the anecdotes of Mark, and that "the Gospel according to Mark" now contains numerous features which come from the _Logia_ of Matthew. Every one, besides, drew largely on the Gospel tradition then current. This tradition was so far from having been exhausted by the Gospels, that the Acts of the Apostles and the most ancient Fathers quote many words of Jesus which appear authentic, and are not found in the Gospels we possess. Eccl._, iii.39.No doubt whatever can be raised as to the authenticity of this passage. |