Is it Clear from Adamantius Whether Marcion's Gospel was Luke or Something Else?

The question of whether Marcion's Gospel was a version of Luke or another distinct text has been a matter of scholarly debate for years. Examining the references and context provided by Adamantius in the "Dialogue of Adamantius" helps shed light on this issue.

Scriptural References

In the "Dialogue of Adamantius," there are numerous references to the Gospels that Adamantius and his interlocutors cite during their debates. Here’s a breakdown of the scriptural references across the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in the text:

Gospel of Matthew

• Matthew 3:9 - Cited by Adam in a debate context.
• Matthew 5:17, 5:29, 5:39-40, 5:43-44 - Multiple citations by Megethius and Adamantius, often related to discussions of the "antitheses" (Matthew 5:21-48).
• Matthew 6:24 - Used by Megethius in his argument.
• Matthew 7:2, 7:9-11, 7:15, 7:18, 7:23 - These verses are cited in the context of discussing the teachings and authenticity of the Gospels.
• Matthew 8:12, 8:29, 9:16-17, 9:22 - Various references by Adam and Megethius.
• Matthew 10:9, 10:22, 10:28, 10:33-34 - Cited in arguments regarding the nature of Christ’s teachings.
• Matthew 11:2-3, 11:5-6, 11:10, 11:27 - Used to highlight prophetic fulfillment and the knowledge of God.
• Matthew 12:29, 13:31-33, 13:42, 13:47, 14:19, 15:19 - Discussed in the context of parables and prophetic teachings.
• Matthew 16:13-16 - Notably cited by Marcus the Marcionite as scripture, causing interpretive difficulties.
• Matthew 18:6-7, 19:12-14, 19:16-21 - Cited in moral and theological discussions.
• Matthew 21:7, 21:12, 22:13, 22:43-45 - References to specific events and teachings of Jesus.
• Matthew 23:13ff, 24:27, 24:51, 25:28-30, 25:41, 26:24 - These passages are used in various theological arguments and debates.

Gospel of Mark

• Mark 2:22 - Referenced in a discussion about old and new teachings.
• Mark 4:24, 5:7, 5:9, 6:41 - Cited in arguments about the authority and identity of Jesus.
• Mark 8:9, 8:27-29, 8:31, 8:34, 9:42, 10:14, 10:17-21, 10:18, 11:15 - Used in discussions about the teachings and mission of Jesus.

Gospel of Luke

• Luke 1:35, 4:26, 5:24, 5:37, 6:8, 6:14, 6:27, 6:29, 6:45 - Various citations highlighting prophetic fulfillment and teachings.
• Luke 7:18-19, 7:22-23, 7:27, 8:30, 8:45-46 - References to Jesus's miracles and responses to John the Baptist.
• Luke 9:1-2, 9:3, 9:6, 9:16, 9:18, 9:22, 9:41 - Discussed in the context of Jesus’s mission and the sending out of disciples.
• Luke 10:1, 10:4, 10:18, 10:22, 11:12-13 - These passages are used to discuss spiritual authority and knowledge.
• Luke 12:46-48, 12:49, 13:24, 13:27-28, 15:4-7, 16:13, 16:19ff - Used in moral teachings and parables.
• Luke 17:1-2, 17:24, 18:16, 18:18-22, 18:19, 18:27, 18:35-43 - Discussed in the context of moral and ethical teachings.
• Luke 19:41-44, 19:45-46, 23:46, 23:50-53, 24:25-26, 24:38-39 - References to Jesus's final days and resurrection.

Gospel of John

• John 1:3, 1:14, 1:17, 1:29, 2:15, 2:25 - Cited in discussions about the nature of Jesus and his mission.
• John 3:13, 5:31, 8:34, 10:18, 11:34, 11:39-44, 13:34, 14:6, 15:19, 16:7, 16:30, 17:23, 19:34, 20:22, 20:27, 20:28, 21:17 - Used to discuss Jesus’s teachings, his divine nature, and resurrection appearances.

Analysis and Conclusion

The extensive citations from Matthew in the discussions between Adamantius and the Marcionites, especially with Megethius and Marcus, indicate a significant reliance on this Gospel. However, the references to Luke and John, particularly when cited by Marcus the Marcionite, suggest that Marcion’s Gospel could have had content resembling Luke or was considered an earlier form of Luke by the orthodox interlocutors.

The presence of distinctively Lukan material (e.g., Luke 16:19ff, Luke 10:18) cited by Marcionites indicates that Marcion’s Gospel might have been an edited version of Luke, as Tertullian and other Church Fathers suggest. Yet, the dialogue's context and the nature of the debates reveal a complex interaction between different Gospel traditions, making it challenging to assert definitively whether Marcion’s Gospel was purely Luke or a unique text with Lukan elements.

This analysis highlights the nuanced and multifaceted nature of early Christian Gospel traditions and their reception among different Christian groups.