Papias May Have Known All 4 Gospels
Some scholars challenge the early dating and traditional authorship of the Gospels. They argue that Papias, as recorded by Eusebius, only mentions the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, but not Luke or John. This is presented as evidence that Papias might not have been aware of the latter two Gospels, casting doubt on their early dating and authorship.
However, this argument isn't entirely accurate. Further writings reveal more about Papias' knowledge. In "Ecclesiastical History 3.24.5-13", Eusebius shares details that bear striking similarities to Papias' description of the origins of Matthew and Mark in "3.39.15". Eusebius wording strongly suggests that the origins of both Matthew and John's Gospels come from a singular source. Although he doesn't explicitly name this source, the similarities and shared themes between the accounts make a compelling case for Papias of Hierapolis being that source (Hill2004-fe.). The consistent elements across these accounts further solidify the belief that Eusebius' reference in 3.24.5-13 is rooted in Papias' tradition about the Fourth Gospel.
One might wonder why Eusebius didn't explicitly name Papias as the source, given the evident similarities. It's worth noting that Eusebius held theological views that differed from those of Papias. Eusebius often aimed to downplay or distance Papias from John, which could explain the omission of direct credit to Papias.
On Mark Origins
Papias Of Asia Minor is quoted saying Mark The Disciple was Peter The Apostle’s interpreter and wrote his testimony, making sure to make no errors not give false testimony.
"And the Elder said this also : Mark , having become the interpreter of Peter, wrote down accurately everything that he remembered, without however recording in order what was either said or done by Christ. For neither did he hear the Lord , nor did he follow Him ; but afterwards, as I said , (attended) Peter, who adapted his instructions to the needs ( of his hearers) but had no design of giving a connected account of the Lord's oracles. So then Mark made no mistake, while he thus wrote down some things as he remembered them ; for he made it his one care not to omit anything that he heard, or to set down any false statement therein . Such then is the account given by Papias concerning Mark.
Papias of Asia Minor was the Bishop of Hierapolis, a city located in the region known as Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). He lived from around 60-130 AD, that is within 30 years of Christ walking the earth when he reads Marks's Gospel. Any dating of the Gospel of Mark must then be placed within this time period. Papias had connections with Polycarp of Smyrna and other early Christian figures. Some traditions suggest he may have heard the preaching of the Apostle John.
On Matthews Origins
Papias's also had this to say concerning the Gospel of Matthew.
“So then Matthew composed the oracles in the Hebrew language, and each one interpreted them as he could.”
Papias of Asia Minor was the Bishop of Hierapolis, a city located in the region known as Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). He lived from around 60-130 AD, that is within 30 years of Christ walking the earth when he reads Matthew's Gospel. Any dating of the Gospel of Matthew must then be placed within this time period. Papias had connections with Polycarp of Smyrna and other early Christian figures. Some traditions suggest he may have heard the preaching of the Apostle John.
On Johns Origins
These texts, crafted to counter the teachings of Marcion of Sinope, a theologian whose views were later deemed heretical, offer insight into the early Church's efforts to preserve orthodox beliefs and authenticate the canonical Gospels. Among these, the prologue for the Gospel of John holds particular historical significance, as it references the testimony of Papias, an early Christian bishop of Hierapolis, providing valuable information about the Gospel's origins and its dissemination among early Christian communities.
The Gospel of John was made known and given to the Churches by John, while he yet remained in the body; as (one) Papias by name, of Hierapolis, a beloved disciple of John, has related in his exoteric, that is, in his last five books.
This excerpt from the anti-Marcionite prologue not only affirms the Gospel's apostolic authorship but also highlights the interconnectedness of early Christian witnesses. Papias, identified as a "beloved disciple of John," is noted for having documented the apostolic origins and ecclesiastical approval of John's Gospel in his own writings, which, though now lost, were evidently accessible to the early Church. This connection between Papias and the Apostle John reinforces the Gospel's credibility and authority within the Christian tradition.