The analysis of related texts in Christian scriptures

Abstract

In the Bible, a book rich in literary nuances, we can note a wide range of resources used by writers to construct and present their texts. A clear example is the use of direct references, as in Acts 2:16-17, where the prophet Joel is quoted verbatim (2:28-29). Furthermore, the biblical writer resorts to indirect references, as in Hebrews 11, which builds a rich combination from several previous passages, demonstrating his skill in establishing connections between different parts of Scripture. Currently, several studies have been published aiming to map and systematize these resources, proposing to classify them as quotation, allusion, and echo. However, the classifications and interpretations of these occurrences are varied and sometimes divergent. In this context, the question arises: Is there, in the biblical text, evidence of reuse of texts that attest to the occurrence of all these resources? This research seeks to reflect on this topic, revisiting the current debate on the possible indications of quotations, allusions, and echoes. The study will be conducted based on the grammatical-historical-canonical method of interpretation, in conjunction with the bibliographic review research method. Efforts will be made to (1) recapitulate the proposed definitions of biblical intratextuality and their contrast with more recent proposals on biblical intertextuality, highlighting the importance of this distinction for its interpretation; (2) describe the main proposed approaches to the study of parallel texts, exploring their possible theological characterizations; and (3) revisit the main proposals for cataloging the notable occurrences of parallel texts in Scripture.