The interpretation of the parables of the synoptic gospels: part one: an examination of parable literature in English since Jülicher; part two; an exegesis of representative parables

Abstract

The parables of Jesus are unique, standing head and shoulders above other parabolic work and giving us an unparalleled insight into the historical Jesus. After centuries of almost exclusively allegorical interpretation, Adolf Jülicher, towards the turn of this century, set them free from their long bondage. In Part one of this thesis the major English work on parables since Jülicher is reviewed. Major critics have all taken notice of his work, but there was a considerable period during which English scholars took little or no notice of it. For anything approaching the pursuance of his insights, the English public had to wait until the appearance of the work of A.T. Gadoux in 1931. Thereafter there was considerable development of the eschatological approach to parables, especially in the two most important works of this century - those by C.H. Dodd and J. Jeremias. Although eschatology has been the main interpretative framework this century, there have been attempts to interpret the parables existentially and Christologically. In all work, the interpretation of Mark 4:10-12 is fundamental, and there is now little support for the theory that Jesus told parables in order to conceal truth. The rejection of allegorizing interpretations led to the rejection of allegory in parables altogether, and in recent years there has been a move towards restoring the balance. Part Two of the thesis attempts, in the light of Part One, exegetical work on representative parables. They are the parables of Growth, the Lost and the End; the parables of the Treasure and the Pearl, the Unjust Steward, the Good Employer, and the Good Samaritan.