Greek · Logion Kyriakon Exegesis
Fragments of a collection and interpretation of sayings of Jesus and traditions from 'the elders'. The best known are the notices on Mark as Peter's interpreter and on Matthew's 'oracles in the Hebrew dialect' (Eusebius HE 3.39).
Dating
The five-book work is lost and survives in quotations (Irenaeus, Eusebius, later writers). Usually dated c. 110-130; Yarbrough and others argue for c. 95-110 on the basis of Eusebius' placement of Papias in the reign of Trajan.Books it uses
'Matthew put together the oracles in the Hebrew language': Matthew is named for certain, but whether these logia are our Greek Matthew is disputed, hence 'probable'.
The presbyter's tradition: Mark, Peter's interpreter, wrote accurately but not in order. Names the Gospel's author; Papias does not call it scripture and prefers the 'living voice' to books.
His list of disciples (Andrew, Peter, Philip, Thomas, James, John, Matthew) follows the order and names prominent in John 1 and 21; some see knowledge of the Fourth Gospel.
Eusebius reports use of 'the Epistle of Peter' (i.e. 1 Peter). Secondhand report.
Eusebius reports that Papias 'uses testimonies from the first Epistle of John'. Secondhand report, with no surviving quotation.
Quotations
And the presbyter said this. Mark having become the interpreter of Peter, wrote down accurately whatsoever he remembered. It was not, however, in exact order that he related the sayings or deeds of Christ. For he neither heard the Lord nor accompanied Him. But afterwards, as I said, he accompanied Peter, who accommodated his instructions to the necessities [of his hearers], but with no intention of giving a regular narrative of the Lord’s sayings. Wherefore Mark made no mistake in thus writing some things as he remembered them. For of one thing he took especial care, not to omit anything he had heard, and not to put anything fictitious into the statements.
Papias frag. (Eus. HE 3.39.15)Names the book
ANF vol. 1 (1885), ed. Roberts & Donaldson, American ed. A. C. Coxe · Source (opens in a new tab)
Earliest statement about the origin of a Gospel (Mark), from 'the presbyter' (John the Elder), preserved by Eusebius.
Matthew put together the oracles [of the Lord] in the Hebrew language, and each one interpreted them as best he could.
Papias frag. (Eus. HE 3.39.16)Names the book
ANF vol. 1 (1885), ed. Roberts & Donaldson, American ed. A. C. Coxe · Source (opens in a new tab)
Whether 'oracles' (logia) means our Greek Matthew, a sayings collection, or something else is one of the most debated sentences in early Christian literature.