In 1964, the Pontifical Biblical Commission distinguished between how the words and actions of Jesus had been elaborated. Words and actions were first witnessed. Words and actions were then set forth and adapted in preaching. Still later, words and actions were reported or summarized or, even, developed in accordance with the needs of a particular community.
Those reconstructing the life of Jesus, then, distinguish between New Testament writings which are likely factual in their presentation of the words and actions of Jesus and writings which are likely not factual. John Meier, for example, identifies criteria which produce judgments “more of less probable” about what originates in Jesus.
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