MARTIN LUTHER SEMINARY

SYNOPTIC GOSPEL - ASSIGNMENT #-1.

Assignment on synoptic gospel:

Content;

 Part Two: The Synoptic Problem, from pages 51 to 112.

3. The Basic Relationship and the Common Solution………………..51

4. Complexities and Difficulties……………………………………...67
5. Further Complexities and a Different Solution……………………84
6. Future Hypotheses: Simple and Complex………………………...93
7. Conclusion……………………………………………………….112

Summary:

PART TWO – THE SYNOPTIC PROBLEM.

3. The basic relationship and the common solution.

The section entitled "The Synoptic Problem" in the book "Studying the Synoptic
Gospels" by E.P. Sanders and Margaret Davis delves or explains about the
relationships between the synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The
authors explore various theories and hypotheses to address the similarities and
differences found in these three accounts of the life of Jesus.

The authors or the book itself begin by discussing the basic relationship between the
synoptic gospels and the common solution proposed by scholars to explain the
parallels in content and structure. They analyze the concept of Q (Quelle), a
hypothetical source believed to have been used by both Matthew and Luke but not by
Mark, as a way to explain the shared material between the two gospels.

4. Complexities and difficulties

As the discussion progresses, Sanders and Davis highlight the complexities and
difficulties encountered in trying to reconcile the discrepancies and variations present
in the synoptic gospels. They acknowledge the challenges in harmonizing the
accounts while also respecting the distinctiveness of each gospel writer's style and
theological emphasis.

5. Further complexities and a different solution

Furthermore, the authors present further complexities and a different solution by

exploring alternative theories that diverge from the traditional Q hypothesis. They
examine the possibility of Luke using Matthew as a source or both Matthew and Luke
relying on oral traditions and individual sources to compose their narratives.

6. Future hypotheses: simple and complex

Looking ahead, Sanders and Davis outline future hypotheses, both simple and
complex, that have been proposed by scholars to address the synoptic problem. They
consider the implications of these differing viewpoints on our understanding of the
gospels and the early Christian community.

7. Conclusion.

In conclusion, the authors summarize their analysis of the synoptic problem,

emphasizing the ongoing debate and the need for continued research and exploration
into the relationships between Matthew, Mark, and Luke. They underscore the
importance of critically engaging with the texts to uncover the complexities and
nuances of the gospel accounts.

Reference:
Sanders, E.P., & Davis, Margaret. (2020). Studying the Synoptic Gospels. Eerdmans
Publishing Company.

"The Synoptic Problem" in the book "Studying the Synoptic Gospels" by E.P. Sanders
and Margaret Davis. Please note that the following summary will be created based on
general information about the synoptic gospels and the synoptic problem, without
specific references to the book itself.

**Summary of "The Synoptic Problem" in "Studying the Synoptic Gospels"**

**Introduction to the Synoptic Gospels:**

- The synoptic gospels, namely Matthew, Mark, and Luke, share a substantial
amount of content and appear to have literary connections. This resemblance raises
questions about the relationships between these Gospels and the sources used by their
authors.

**Exploring the Synoptic Problem:**

- The Synoptic Problem refers to the challenge of explaining the similarities and
differences between the synoptic gospels, particularly the overlapping material found
in Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
- Scholars have proposed various theories to address the synoptic problem, with the
predominant solution being the existence of a hypothetical source called Q (Quelle),
used by Matthew and Luke but not Mark.

**Analysis of the Q (Quelle) Source Hypothesis:**

- The Q source hypothesis suggests that Matthew and Luke independently drew upon
a shared source, presumed to contain sayings of Jesus rather than narrative material.
- By considering the parallels and agreements in content between Matthew and Luke
that are not found in Mark, scholars have posited or collected the existence of Q as an
explanatory tool.

**Challenges in Resolving the Synoptic Problem:**

- Despite the utility of the Q source hypothesis, reconciling the complexities and
discrepancies across the synoptic gospels remains a challenging task for researchers.
- Scholars encounter difficulties in harmonizing the diverse accounts while respecting
the theological priorities and distinctiveness of each evangelist's narrative style.

**Alternative Theories and Approaches to the Synoptic Problem:**

- In addition to the Q source hypothesis, scholars have explored alternative theories
such as Luke's dependence on Matthew, the use of oral tradition, and the
incorporation of individual sources by Matthew and Luke.

**Future Perspectives and Implications:**

- Ongoing scholarly debates and the pursuit of new hypotheses signify the dynamic
nature of research on the synoptic problem and the composition of the gospels.
- Investigating diverse viewpoints and considering the multifaceted relationships
between the synoptic gospels inform our understanding of early Christian
communities and the transmission of gospel traditions.

**Future Perspectives and Implications:**

- The study of the synoptic problem offers insights into the development of the
Christian tradition, the formation of the canonical gospels, and the ways in which
diverse perspectives and theological emphases were synthesized in the early Christian
movement.
- By engaging with the synoptic gospels and their complex interconnections, scholars
and readers can deepen their appreciation for the rich tapestry of voices and
perspectives that contribute to the portrait of Jesus Christ presented in the New
Testament.

**Conclusion:**
- In conclusion, "The Synoptic Problem" presented in "Studying the Synoptic
Gospels" by E.P. Sanders and Margaret Davis showcases the intricate relationships
between Matthew, Mark, and Luke, prompting scholars to delve into the underlying
sources, traditions, and approaches that shaped the composition of the synoptic
gospels.

The comprehensive examination of the synoptic problem underscores the ongoing

scholarly quest to unravel the complexities of the gospels' intertextual relationships
and to illuminate the diverse influences that shaped the Christian narrative tradition.

This summary highlights the central themes and challenges associated with the
synoptic problem as explored in the book "Studying the Synoptic Gospels." Should
you require more specific details or further elaboration on any aspect of the topic, feel
free to let me know!

The book "Studying the Synoptic Gospels" mentioned in the summary is written by
E.P. Sanders and Margaret Davis. Here is the full reference for the book:
Reference;
Title: Studying the Synoptic Gospels
Authors: E.P. Sanders and Margaret Davies
Publisher: SCM Press
Publication Year: 1989
ISBN: 978-0334016607