Reading on the Synoptic Gospels

Was it difcult reading? Did you understand everything? Did you question the assumptions of the author in the reading of the Synoptic Problem? Why or why not? Are there any implications/repercussions in accepting the various explanations for the synoptic problem? (Q , Markan priority, etc.)

The Synoptic Problem

Friday, August 19, 2011

Friday, August 19, 2011

Things to Consider
Do I believe it? The explanations for the synoptic problem (i.e., Markan priority, two-source document, Q , etc.) are only theories. Potential Issue: Discussion of the synoptic problem appears to emphasize the human element in the formation of the Gospels and appears to minimize its inspiration (and Revelation).

What Is the Synoptic Problem?

A brief time spent in any synopsis of the Gospels will indicate that Matthew, Mark and Luke share a number of striking similarities. The Synoptic Problem is the name that has been given to the problem of why the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke look so much alike. Why are they so similar in content, in wording and in the order of events found within them (Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, p. 784).
Friday, August 19, 2011

Friday, August 19, 2011

Similarities in the Synoptics

wording order parenthetical material biblical quotations

Various Explanations
inspiration of the Holy Spirit accurate historical records common oral tradition used by Matthew, Mark, & Luke note-taking by disciples

Friday, August 19, 2011

Friday, August 19, 2011

Griesbach Hypothesis
Matthew 1st written Luke used Matthew Mark used Luke &
Matthew

Griesbach Hypothesis
Friday, August 19, 2011

Friday, August 19, 2011

Arguments in Favor of Griesbach Hypothesis

Church tradition Gospel agreements Markan redundancies

Two-Document Hypothesis

Friday, August 19, 2011

Friday, August 19, 2011

Two-Document Hypothesis
Mark 1st Gospel written Mark used independently by Matthew & Luke Matthew & Luke also used Q

Arguments in Favor of Two-Document Hypothesis

Markan priority

Friday, August 19, 2011

Friday, August 19, 2011

Markan Priority
assumes: similarities (Synoptics) due to Matthew/Luke independently using Mark 97.2% of Matthew corresponds to Mark; 88.4% of Luke corresponds to Mark shortest Gospel
Friday, August 19, 2011

Markan Priority
Friday, August 19, 2011

Arguments for Markan Priority

more likely that Matthew & Luke added material to Mark than vice versa Mark has poorer Greek easier to understand order of material common to Matthew, Mark Marks harder readings omissions/additions (of phrases, words) best explained by Markan priority Marks theology less developed arguments in the aggregate appear to be more likely

Arguments in Favor of Two-Document Hypothesis

Markan priority Existence of Q

Friday, August 19, 2011

Friday, August 19, 2011

Q
assuming Markan priority, this explains how material common to Matthew & Luke, but foreign to Mark, came into existence Luke/Matthew share approx. 230 verses, absent in Mark

Arguments for Q Hypothesis

close verbal agreement similarities in the order of the nonMarkan material Q manifests similar theological outlook alternative explanations appear unlikely, less plausible

Friday, August 19, 2011

Friday, August 19, 2011

Two-Document Hypothesis
Friday, August 19, 2011