Bernard Muller wrote: ↑
What gospels material do Aristides and Quadratus have in surviving writings attributed to them?
Kay has a translation from the Syriac
The Christians, then, trace the beginning of their religion from Jesus the Messiah; and he is named the Son of God Most High. And it is said that God came down from heaven, and from a Hebrew virgin assumed and clothed himself with flesh; and the Son of God lived in a daughter of man. This is taught in the gospel, as it is called, which a short time was preached among them; and you also if you will read therein, may perceive the power which belongs to it. This Jesus, then, was born of the race of the Hebrews; and he had twelve disciples in order that the purpose of his incarnation might in time be accomplished. But he himself was pierced by the Jews, and he died and was buried; and they say that after three days he rose and ascended to heaven. Thereupon these twelve disciples went forth throughout the known parts of the world, and kept showing his greatness with all modesty and uprightness. And hence also those of the present day who believe that preaching are called Christians, and they are become famous.
chapter 2.
“Son of Most High God” is not in John 1:1-2, 14. It is used at Mk 5:7 (Lk 8:28).
“it is said that God came down from heaven” is not in John 1:1-2, 14. It is the Word who was with God and became flesh.
“from a Hebrew virgin” the gospels of Matthew and Luke have separate traditions.
“assumed and clothed himself with flesh” is not in John 1:14 which has “the Word became flesh”. While Romans 8:3 has “God sending his own son in the likeness of sinful flesh”.
“the Son of God lived in a daughter of man”; there is no “daughter of man” in the New Testament.
“he had twelve disciples”; Mark 2:15 “were sitting with Jesus and his disciples, for they were many and they followed him” and Mark 3:16 “And he appointed twelve”.
“he himself was pierced by the Jews, and he died and was buried; and they say that after three days he rose and ascended to heaven” Mark 8:31 “rejected by the elders, and the chief-priests and the scribes and be killed and after three days rise again”; Acts 2:29-34 … David … died and was buried … Jesus … raised up … exalted … David … ascend into the heavens”.
“these twelve disciples went forth throughout the known parts of the world” Mark 16:20 “And they went forth and preached everywhere”; Luke 24:47 “repentance and the forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations”; Matthew 28:19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations”.
The only words that come close to having an exact match are “Son of Most High God” but because the term “Most High God” is used in the Old Testament I do not think we should conclude these words are being quoted from either Mark or Luke. It seems safe to assume that the author of the Apology of Aristides has some of the same traditions which are found in the gospels and letters of Paul but he either does not know them or doesn’t use them regularly enough to quote from them.