Bible 'tradition'

[Edgar Davie]

Currently I am reading a book on the New Testament that makes reference to the 'M', 'L' and 'P' Tradition in these Scriptures. The author does not describe these traditions. Can anyone inform me?
Edgar Davie

[Xavier]

M would be the additional material that appears only in Matthew's gospel.
L would be the additional material that appears only in Luke's gospel.
Q would be the tradition that Mark, Matthew and Luke had in common.

I'm not sure what the author means by P material.

[National Intelligence Director Phoenix]

Currently I am reading a book on the New Testament that makes reference to the 'M', 'L' and 'P' Tradition in these Scriptures. The author does not describe these traditions. Can anyone inform me?
Edgar Davie

Hiya Edgar. Let's look at your question.

The belief is that the NT writers used various sources. Now this is all hypothetical of course. They usually start with the belief that Mark was the first gospel.

Matthew then contains material exclusively used in Matthew. M
L is for that contained exclusively in Luke
I don't know of P. I'm wondering if you mean Q which is short for Quelle, German for source. This is the document that contains only the sayings of Jesus supposedly.

As far as I know, none of these have ever been found and it's strictly hypothetical.

Hope this helps!