The Synoptic Problem: Origins and Gospel Relationships
This paper examines the Synoptic Problem, which describes the literary relationships among the first three Gospels of the New Testament—Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The paper explains why these three books are grouped together as the Synoptic Gospels, contrasting them with the Gospel of John, which presents events in a distinct format and language. It outlines specific instances of parallel and divergent content, including accounts of Jesus's birth and the words spoken on the cross. The paper also explores the primary proposed solution to the Synoptic Problem—Markan priority—tracing how scholarly opinion has shifted since the mid-nineteenth century toward recognizing Mark as the oldest Gospel.
- Introduction to the Synoptic Gospels: Defines Synoptic Gospels and distinguishes John
- Understanding the Synoptic Problem: Clarifies meaning of the Synoptic Problem
- Differences and Unique Material Among the Gospels: Examples of divergent and unique Gospel content
- Literary Relationships and Gospel Order: How Gospel order affects textual interpretation
- Markan Priority as a Solution: Scholars argue Mark is oldest Gospel
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What makes this paper effective
- Provides a clear, accessible definition of the Synoptic Problem before delving into specific examples, making it approachable for readers unfamiliar with biblical scholarship.
- Uses concrete textual examples—such as the differing birth narratives and the language of Jesus's words on the cross—to ground abstract scholarly concepts in observable evidence.
- Moves logically from description of the problem to a proposed solution (Markan priority), giving the paper a clear argumentative arc.
Key academic technique demonstrated
The paper demonstrates the technique of comparative textual analysis, systematically identifying similarities and differences across parallel Gospel passages. By pointing to specific omissions, additions, and linguistic variations, the author shows how close reading of related texts can reveal their literary dependence and relative chronology.
Structure breakdown
The paper opens by defining the Synoptic Gospels and distinguishing them from John. It then clarifies what the Synoptic Problem actually means, before presenting specific examples of divergent and unique content across the three Gospels. The paper next considers how Gospel order affects interpretation, and concludes by introducing Markan priority as the dominant scholarly solution, including its implications for the traditional ordering of New Testament books.
Introduction to the Synoptic Gospels
The Gospel primarily consists of the first four books of the New Testament, but it is only the first three—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—that are considered to present the Synoptic Problem. These books relate the story of Jesus in remarkably similar ways, sharing the order of material, the stories told, the sayings of Jesus, and even specific wording in parallel accounts. As a result, they are collectively referred to as the Synoptic Gospels. The Gospel of John, by contrast, presents the story of Jesus in a different format: events are viewed from a distinct perspective and conveyed through its own unique language and approach. Because of these differences in viewpoint and description, the Gospel of John is not included in the Synoptic Problem.
Generally, a principle of scripture alone was to be practiced as the cornerstone of reformation and church practice, and scripture was to be allowed to stand in judgment of all individual actions, doctrines, and customs.
Understanding the Synoptic Problem
Notably, the Synoptic Problem is not a "problem" in the ordinary sense of the word. The concept simply describes the questions and potential explanations surrounding the literary relationships among the first three Gospels of the New Testament. Therefore, the Synoptic Problem refers to the way in which serious students of the Gospels attempt to understand the origins and interrelationships of these three books—accounting for both the similarities and the differences between them. While differences exist across these books in various areas, some more pronounced than others, concerns about those differences arise precisely because of the seemingly close parallels between the texts (Bratcher, par. 8).
Differences and Unique Material Among the Gospels
There are sections in the Synoptic Gospels that are unique to only one Gospel and have no parallel in the others. This is best illustrated in the accounts of the birth of Jesus. In Matthew, the visit of the Magi and the flight to Egypt are included, but certain events found elsewhere are omitted. In Luke, the events leading up to the birth of Jesus are narrated in detail—including the activities of Mary and the parents of John, the visit of the shepherds, and the speeches of Anna and Simeon—while Mark contains nothing resembling a birth narrative at all.
Another example of the Synoptic Problem involves language. In the Gospel of Mark, the words Jesus spoke on the cross are recorded in Aramaic, whereas in Matthew the same words are recorded in Hebrew, even though the meaning remains the same. A further instance occurs when a name is added or changed: for example, the apostle referred to as Matthew in one Gospel is called Levi in both Mark and Luke.
Works Cited
Bratcher, Dennis. "The Gospels and the Synoptic Problem." The Voice: Christian Resource Institute. CRI/Voice, Institute, 11 Nov. 2011. Web. 20 July 2012.
Just, Felix. "The Synoptic Problem & Proposed Solutions." Catholic Resources for Bible, Liturgy, Art, and Theology. Catholic Resources for Bible, Liturgy, Art, and Theology, 12 June 2007. Web. 20 July 2012.
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