Celsus Influenced the Ending of the Synoptic Gospels
Posted: Sun Jun 10, 2018 9:14 am
I have always noted that Celsus's criticisms of Christianity - specifically Marcionite Christianity - show up in later Church Fathers (of course without crediting Celsus as the source of the idea). But it is worth noting that Celsus can't have read a gospel where the apostles were 'sent out' to 'all the world' because he clearly criticizes the lack of such an idea as being a fundamental error on the part of the Christian god:
It is also worth noting that γωνίαν might be mistranslated by the editors. Yes a γωνία can mean 'angle' or 'corner.' It is used this way in mathematical treatises. But it is worth noting that it is also used in the LXX to denote 'leader' or 'chief'
γωνία , ἡ,
A. [select] corner, angle, Hdt.1.51, Pl.Men.84d, etc.; γ. ἐπίπεδος, στερεά, plane, solid angle, Euc.1 Def.8,11Def.11; αἱ πρὸς τῇ βάσει γ. the angles at the base, Id.1.5; ἡ ὑπὸ ΒΑΓ or ὑπὸ τῶν ΒΑΓ γ. the angle ΒΑΓ, Id.1.9,al.
2. [select] metaph., corner, secluded spot, “ἐν γωνίᾳ ψιθυρίζειν” Pl.Grg.485d; “ἐν γ. πεπραγμένον” Act.Ap.26.26.
3. [select] of the four quarters of the compass, Ptol.Tetr.29.
4. [select] joint, Arist.PA 690a13.
II. [select] joiner's square, Pl.Phlb.51c, Plu.Marc.19.
III. [select] cutwater of a bridge, D.S.2.8.
IV. [select] of persons, leader, chief, LXX 1 Ki.14.38. (Akin to γόνυ.)
This means that Celsus - who saw at least one copy of a gospel - didn't see the ending as it is contained in Mark:Again, if God, like Jupiter in the comedy, should, on awaking from a lengthened slumber, desire to rescue the human race from evil, why did He send this Spirit of which you speak into one corner (γωνίαν)? He ought to have breathed it alike into many bodies, and have sent them out into all the world (κατὰ πᾶσαν ἀποστεῖλαι τὴν οἰκουμένην) [6.78]
Matthew:14 Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen. 15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” 19 After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. 20 Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.
Luke:Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Curious that Luke does not have this idea. But it is certain in my mind that Celsus's criticism of Marcionism or some pre-Catholic Christianity prompts the creation of a narrative that the holy spirit didn't just go into one individual but many.49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” ...
It is also worth noting that γωνίαν might be mistranslated by the editors. Yes a γωνία can mean 'angle' or 'corner.' It is used this way in mathematical treatises. But it is worth noting that it is also used in the LXX to denote 'leader' or 'chief'
γωνία , ἡ,
A. [select] corner, angle, Hdt.1.51, Pl.Men.84d, etc.; γ. ἐπίπεδος, στερεά, plane, solid angle, Euc.1 Def.8,11Def.11; αἱ πρὸς τῇ βάσει γ. the angles at the base, Id.1.5; ἡ ὑπὸ ΒΑΓ or ὑπὸ τῶν ΒΑΓ γ. the angle ΒΑΓ, Id.1.9,al.
2. [select] metaph., corner, secluded spot, “ἐν γωνίᾳ ψιθυρίζειν” Pl.Grg.485d; “ἐν γ. πεπραγμένον” Act.Ap.26.26.
3. [select] of the four quarters of the compass, Ptol.Tetr.29.
4. [select] joint, Arist.PA 690a13.
II. [select] joiner's square, Pl.Phlb.51c, Plu.Marc.19.
III. [select] cutwater of a bridge, D.S.2.8.
IV. [select] of persons, leader, chief, LXX 1 Ki.14.38. (Akin to γόνυ.)
Saul said, “Draw near here, all you chiefs of the people (πασας τας γωνιας του Ισραηλ); and know and see in which this sin has been this day.