Bible Journey, Fall 2020

Week 1: The Synoptic Gospels

Introduction and Overview for Fall 2020

Reading the Gospels Together and Apart

The Synoptic Gospels

synopsis = “seeing together”

Inspiration, Composition, and Editing of the Gospels

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The Synoptic Problem

Markan Priority

Two-Source Hypothesis

Four-Source Hypothesis

Q
Quelle (German) = “source”

The Bottom Line

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Understanding the Similarities and Differences

Examples

Summary

Interpreting the Synoptics/Application

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Resources

The Synoptic Problem

Recommended:

• “What Are the Synoptic Gospels, and Where Do They Come From?,” Zondervan Academic Blog
(https://zondervanacademic.com/blog/synoptic-gospels): Conversational introduction to the
Synoptic relationships, with video by Mark Strauss
• “The Gospels and the Synoptic Problem,” by Dennis Bratcher
(http://www.crivoice.org/synoptic.html): More detailed overview of the Synoptic Problem, with
examples

Additional Resources:

• “Synoptic Gospels,” Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synoptic_Gospels): Overview of the

Synoptic Gospels and their relationship, with some helpful graphics; see “Theories” under “The
synoptic problem” section for diagrams of several theories of Synoptic relationships
• “The Synoptic Problem and Q,” Blue Letter Bible (by Mark Goodacre?)
(https://www.blueletterbible.org/faq/q.cfm): Summarizes the most common theories on Synoptic
relationships
• “Overview of Proposed Solutions [to the Synoptic Problem],” by Stephen Carlson
(http://www.hypotyposeis.org/synoptic-problem/2004/09/overview-of-proposed-solutions.html):
Briefly explains many different theories on Synoptic relationships
• “The Synoptic Problem,” by Daniel Wallace (https://bible.org/article/synoptic-problem): A detailed
explanation of the Synoptic Problem, with various arguments and evidence
• “Venn Diagrams and the Synoptic Problem,” by Brent Nongbri
(https://brentnongbri.com/2019/05/21/venn-diagrams-and-the-synoptic-problem/): Shows
relationship between Gospels in Venn Diagrams; see also links to similar diagrams by Mark
Goodacre; argues Q is not necessary to solve Synoptic Problem

Parallels between the Gospels

• The NET Bible Synopsis of the Four Gospels, by Gregory A. White

(https://bible.org/assets/pdf/White_ntsynopsis.pdf): Synopsis using NET translation; includes
synoptic table and maps (book; pdf)
• “Four Gospel Synopsis,” University of Toronto (http://sites.utoronto.ca/religion/synopsis/meta-
4g.htm): Online synopsis in four columns (see also main page:
http://sites.utoronto.ca/religion/synopsis/)
• “Table of Gospel Parallels,” Bible Researcher (http://www.bible-researcher.com/parallels.html):
Synoptic table based on Aland's Synopsis; links to Bible Gateway (ASV)
• “Color-Coded Synopsis of the Four Gospels,” by Michael D. Morrison
(https://docs.google.com/viewer?
a=v&pid=sites&srcid=ZGVmYXVsdGRvbWFpbnxnY3NudDUwMnxneDozMWY0MTMxNzV
lYTE0Mzk2): Synopsis using NET translation; color-coded to show parallel words (pdf)