| − | The '''Q document''', named from the [[German]] word "Quelle", which means "source", is a hypothetical lost textual source for the [[Gospel of Matthew]] and the [[Gospel of Luke]]. Biblical scholars have long realized that that Matthew and Luke share much material not found in the [[Gospel of Mark]], and postulated a second common source, which was named the Q document, containing the sayings of Jesus but no account of his early life. Some non-canonical gospels, such as the [[Gospel of Thomas]], also are believed to draw from Q. | + | The '''Q document''', named from the [[German]] word "Quelle", which means "source", is a hypothetical lost textual source for the [[Gospel of Matthew]] and the [[Gospel of Luke]]. Biblical scholars have long realized that that Matthew and Luke share much material not found in the [[Gospel of Mark]], and postulated a second common source, which was named the Q document, containing the sayings of [[Jesus]] but no account of his early life. Some non-canonical writings, such as the [[Gospel of Thomas]], also are believed to draw from Q. |
| − | Nevertheless, it should be borne in mind that the Q document is only a hypothesis; there are no surviving manuscripts, and it is entirely possible that the same elements could be accounted for via [[oral tradition]]s, or some variety of since-lost texts. Some religious historians believe that Q can be reconstructed by analyzing those passages Matthew and Luke have in common. | + | Nevertheless, it should be borne in mind that the Q document is only a hypothesis; there are no surviving manuscripts nor is a Q document referred to in the [[Bible]]. It is entirely possible that the same elements could be accounted for via [[oral tradition]]s, some variety of since-lost texts, or if the Gospels of Matthew or Luke used the other as a source. Some religious historians believe that Q can be reconstructed by analyzing those passages Matthew and Luke have in common. |