The Synoptic Gospels

Familiarity with the “Synoptic Problem” is fundamental to a clear understanding of the New Testament.  The following provides an introduction to this area of study.

The Synoptic Problem

The synoptic problem is an investigation into the existence and nature of the literary interrelationship among the first three “synoptic” gospels.  Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called the synoptic gospels, in contrast with John, because they can readily be arranged in a three-column harmony called a “synopsis.”  Unlike the Gospel of John, the synoptic gospels share a great number of parallel accounts and parables arranged in mostly the same order and told with many of the same words.  Any proposed solution to this synoptic problem, therefore, must account for the similarities and differences among the synoptics: their factual content, the selection of that content, the arrangement of the material, and the wording of the parallels.[1]  The Synoptic Problem Home Page [2] surveys proposed solutions and provides a clearing-house for materials related to its study.  The Synoptic Problem FAQ is also helpful for more basic questions about this area of study.

The above is a quote from the web site – Synoptic Gospels Primer: Parallel Texts in Matthew, Mark & Luke.[3]  This site is designed for students in college level courses on the gospels or anyone else interested in the “Synoptic Problem”.[4]  It is required reading for undergraduate New Testament courses at Rutgers University and is an important basic resource.

INDEX
(of the “Synoptic Problem” Site)