Uncovering the Hypothetical Original Form of the Gospel of Luke: The Concept of Diatesseron

Diatesseron (Greek: διαθεσσαρών, plural of diathessaron) is a term used in biblical studies to refer to a hypothetical original form of the Gospel of Luke that is thought to have existed before it was split into two separate gospels, Luke and Acts. The term was coined by scholars who believed that the two works were originally a single work, and that they were later separated and published as two separate books.

The idea of a diatesseron was first proposed in the 19th century, and it has been the subject of much debate and discussion among biblical scholars since then. Some scholars argue that the similarities between Luke and Acts suggest that they were originally one work, while others argue that the differences between the two works suggest that they were always intended to be separate.

The concept of diatesseron is important for understanding the origins of the New Testament and the development of the Christian canon. It highlights the complex and sometimes uncertain process by which the books of the New Testament were written, edited, and compiled into a single collection.