L'institution des Douze en Mc 3,13-16A. Un cas paradigmatique en critique textuelle du Nouveau Testament grec

An analysis of the numerous textual variants of Mk 3:13-16a (the Choosing of the Twelve) allows us to bring to bear all the resources of textual criticism of the Greek New Testament. Verbal criticism brings to light the numerous voluntary and involuntary modifications of the passage in question. External criticism demonstrates that the main variant "those whom he called apostles" is absent around 150 C.E. throughout the Christian world, including Syria, and only appears from 200 C.E. onward in the Alexandrian and Caesarean texts (though geographically restricted). Internal criticism also demonstrates the absence of the variant. These words, added secondly at the beginning of the ministry of the Twelve (Mk 3:13-19), intend to establish a connection with Mk 6 where the end of their ministry (Mk 6:6b-30) is related. It is thus necessary, in a critical edition, to retain the shorter text.