Slow to Understand: The Disciples in Synoptic Perspective

The problem of the portrayal of the disciples of Jesus has been the focus of much scholarly investigation. Discussion has been pursued primarily from the Marcan perspective in keeping with its assumed priority. Consequently, Mark is seen as creating the disciples’ incomprehension to serve his theological intent. The correctness of this notion is questioned in this study which seeks to determine whether incomprehension was an authentic experience of Jesus’ original disciples, and whether slowness of understanding was to be expected in teaching and learning contexts. Recent scholarship on the disciples is surveyed to identify the main issues, approaches, trends, and the scope of the ongoing debate. Contents: include: Review of the Literature; How Marcan is the Synoptic Portrait of the Disciples?; An Examination of Concepts and Words of Comprehension in Jewish and Greek Literature; The Disciples in Synoptic Perspective.