The Synoptic Problem



The Synoptic Problem

Introduction

In Christianity there is a general concept of four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, which are revelations from God. All these four gospels, chronologically describes the life of Jesus, but many scholars argue that there are various things in these gospels, which creates doubts in chronological ordering. Another problem with the gospels is that, first three Gospels are Synoptic Gospels, because in all these three gospels the stories and chronological ordering are same, while the last one contains various differences.

Comparison of gospels by Matthew, Mark, and Luke provides that there are various similarities. These gospels provide information about the same content and their expression of historical accounts are also same. According to Houdmann the word “synoptic” basically means “to see together with a common view”. This provides the concern towards the questions regarding gospel problem. The main problem is to look whether there are same source for these gospel. According to Bowen, the first three gospels are very close in descriptions about the life of Jesus that it provides that they must have used same sources. In understanding the problem there are is a systematic way followed by the scholars to identify the problems with the gospels.

Overview of the Synoptic Problem

All the first three gospels follow the same frame work and their context and descriptions are all same that it creates problem for the understanding of the reason for their similarities. This requires identification of the relation between their literary sources and information. According to the Augustinian Hypothesis, Mathew was the first one to write gospel and then it was written by Mathew who used Mark as source and then Luke used Mark as source. Peabody (2002) defines that this hypothesis resulted in further hypothesis and new thoughts.

History of Investigation into the Relationship between the Synoptic Gospels and the proposed Solutions

The major problem in understanding the relation between these three literary texts is that whether there is any relation between them or is there is any possibility of dealing with the resources as eyewitnesses.

Augustine's Solution

To understand this problem, the first hypothesis provides by Augustinian it is considered as the most important aspect in understanding the relation between the first three gospels.

http://catholic-resources.org/Bible/Synoptic_Problem.htm

The Griesbach hypothesis (Markan Posteriority)

Another hypothesis based on the Augustinian traditional theory, is The Griesbach Theory or the Two-Gospel Hypothesis. According to this the Gospel was first written by Matthew and then Luke used this as a resource and then finally Mark use the Matthew and Like as a source .

The Farrer/Goulder Theory (Markan Priority)

Third interesting hypothesis is The Farrer/Goulder Theory (positing Markan Priority) according to which, Mark is the first source and then Matthew used Mark as a source and finally Luke used Mark and Mathew as a source. All these create more confusion in understanding the connection between these texts and reason for their similarities.

The “Q” source Solution

Another approach of eyewitness also rejected as there are no evidences for Mark and Luke as an ...