The Miracle of the Bread is recorded in each of the four gospels, but in both Mark and Matthew there are two separate accounts. These two accounts of the same miracle have attracted great interest. Up to the present day, the theory that these accounts are records of two different events has been held by many. On the other hand, since the end of the nineteenth century another theory that they are two traditions of the same miracle is also being upheld. The basis for the latter theory is the fact that the two parallel groups of pericopae in Mark 6. 31–8. 26 seem to derive from two groups of traditions, and that in the second miracle of the bread, although it is right after the first one, the disciples are at a loss just the same as at the time of the previous miracle.