The reception of the ransom logion and its significance for the study of Mark 10.45/Matthew 20.28

Abstract

The ransom logion, as presented in Mark 10.45/Matthew 20.28, is the only place in the synoptic gospels outside the Eucharist where Jesus gives a beneficial interpretation of his upcoming death. This fact has generated much discussion about the authenticity and scriptural background of the ransom logion as found in Mark 10.45/Matthew 20.28. However, no one has examined the early reception of the ransom logion, nor has anyone explored the significance of that reception for the critical study of Mark 10.45/Matthew 20.28. The purpose of this study is to fill these lacunae in the literature. First, this study examines the reception of the ransom logion from the New Testament through the third century. Preceding this examination is a methodology for surveying traditions that stretch across the New Testament and into the Early Christian periods. Second, this study explores the potential significance of the reception of the ransom logion for the critical study of Mark 10.45/Matthew 20.28. The rationale for this exploration relies on the fact that there are observable patterns displayed in the reception of the ransom logion, which may reflect how the ransom logion functions in Mark 10.45/Matthew 20.28. Specifically, the study explores the significance of these patterns as they relate to the origin of the ransom logion in a Eucharistic setting, a pre-existent coming in Mark 10.45/Matthew 20.28, and the scriptural background of Mark 10.45/Matthew 20.28.