The Synoptic Gospels : together with a chapter on the text-criticism of the New Testament

Front matter

INTERNATIONAL HANDBOOKS TO THE NEW TESTAMENT

Edited by Orello Cone, D.D. To be completed in four volumes.

I. The Synoptic Gospels. By George L. Cary.

Preface

WHAT the author here needs to say to his readers is only that which concerns the present volume as distinguished from the others of the series.

In respect both to the distribution of the Synoptic matter into sections and the general order of sequence, the arrangement adopted is substantially that of Holtzmann in his Hand-Commentar and Huck in his Synopse. Huck's 232 sections have been reduced to 202 without, it is believed, any loss in any direction.

In the handling of the matter assigned to the several sections precedence has generally been given to what is contributed by Mark, or, where he is silent, to Matthew.

Critical discussions of points in which the general reader is likely to have little or no interest have been for the most part introduced in the form of special notes at the end of the several sections. All words in Greek characters, as well as all notes of secondary consequence, are relegated to the bottom of the page, and, like the more important critical notes just referred to, may be disregarded by him who is interested only in the results of interpretation. Most citations of the Synoptic text are from the Revised Version and are printed in italics, while those which differ at all from this standard are placed within marks of quotation.

Considering the purpose of the book, it has not been thought wise to load it down with extended references to authorities. The author could not specify, if he would, all the sources to which he is indebted, and he lays claim to no other originality than that which consists in an vi PREFACE

independent use of material belonging to the common store of Biblical scholarship.

The most profitable use of the book will require that the Revised Version of the New Testament shall be constantly before the reader for purposes of reference. Without a previous reading of the passage commented upon, much that is written concerning it will be in danger of being but imperfectly understood.

To my colleague, Professor George W Gilmore, I am greatly indebted for valuable assistance in the correction of proof-sheets, as well as for many helpful suggestions, especially in matters pertaining to Old Testament scholarship, while the work was passing through the press.

G. L. C.

MeadviixE, Pa., January, 1900.

Contents

Syllabus of Comment

Bibliography