There’s a long-standing tradition in theological circles that Matthew and Luke drew from a common source when they wrote their Gospel accounts. Theologians assign the letter Q to this supposed common-source document, which stands for quelle, the German word for source. The complete theory is that Matthew and Luke used both Mark and Q to compose their Gospels. That there are common stories in these Gospels is unmistakable, but just how their composition took place may well remain a mystery.

One intriguing text from the Bible that may contribute something to the discussion, is from the final chapter of Paul’s second letter to Timothy, where he writes: “Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.”

The context is Paul’s second confinement to a Roman prison. He is facing death and there is a note of urgency in his request. Winter is approaching, and Paul will need his coat. But that specific coat? Did he leave something in an inner pocket? The scrolls are probably the Scriptures of the Old Testament. But what are the parchments? Early accounts of Jesus’ life and ministry. Q? The thought that soon in one room, Paul, Luke, and Mark would sit down around one table, pouring over parchments, is an intriguing one.