192 LIEUT. -COL. G. MACKINLAY, ON SOME LCCAN PROBLEMS. 



AVe thus find that the most recent explanations of the 

 problems presented by the two Insertions and by the great 

 Omission, under the generally accepted theory of the structure 

 of St. Luke's Gospel, are not very satisfactory. 



Are there not any other possible explanations which may be 

 carefully weighed and considered ? Let us see. 



It has lately been stated that the structure of the central 

 chapters of St. Luke's Gospel consists of three overlapping or 

 parallel narratives, called for convenience Luke (A), Luke (B), 

 and Luke (C), each containing an account of Christ's last 

 journey to Jerusalem, as well as other subjects. This statement 

 is supported by reasons* which cannot be reproduced here from 

 want of space. Supposing, however, for the sake of argument, 

 that the existence of the three narratives is accepted, it will be 

 of interest to search and see if we can obtain any fresh reasons 

 for the use of the two Insertions, and for the great Omission in 

 the Gospel of Luke. 



Our first step will be to indicate the new theory of the 

 structure of St. Luke's Gospel with the aid of a diagram 

 (facing p. 218). 



Description of Diagram (facing p. 218). 



It is affirmed (see diagram) that the gospel of Luke leads on 

 in regular, though at times interrupted chronological sequence 

 from the beginning up to the arrival at Bethany, near the end 

 of the Ministry, at the end of Chapter x. This is indicated by 

 tlie highest of the three horizontal bands in the diagram. It 

 will be noticed that the right hand part of the band is widened : 

 this indicates the first, or Luke (A), narrative in the scheme. 

 It begins with the Sermon on the Mount! in the early summer 

 of A.D. 27. An open space is observable in it : this points out 

 the great Omission, between verses 17 and 18 in Luke ix, of all 

 contained in Mark vi, 45, to viii, 26, J during the six months, 

 spring to autumn, A.D, 28. 



The left hand thinner part of this highest band contains the 

 single account of the earlier part of the Ministry. It, too, has an 

 open space, indicating a greater Omission, between verses 13 and 

 14 in Luke iv, of all that is narrated in John i, 35, to (about) iv, 

 54. during the period autumn a.d. 25 to autumn a.d. 26. This 



* St. Luke's threefold Narrative of Christ's last jom-ney to 

 Jerusalem,"' by Lieut. Col. G. Mackiulay iu The rnterprtter, April, 1911. 

 + Luke vi, 20. 



X See also Matt, xiv, 22, to xvi, 12, and John vi, 15-71. 



