synoptic problem
The issue of how to account for the similarities and differences in the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke); the debated subject of whether these similarities and differences can be explained by interdependence—one or two of the gospels were used as source(s) for others—or dependence on an outside source.
- From the three accounts of the healing of the paralytic (Notice particularly the similar parenthetical statements I’ve italicized.):
“But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” (Matthew 9:6 ESV)
“But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” (Mark 2:10-11 ESV)
But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.” (Luke 5:24 ESV)
- From The Synoptic Problem: An Introduction by Robert H. Stein:
One of the most persuasive arguments for the literary interdependence of the synoptic Gospels is the presence of identical parenthetical material, for it is highly unlikely that two or three writers would by coincidence insert into their accounts exactly the same editorial comment at exactly the same place.
Learn more:1
- Blue Letter Bible: The Synoptic Problem
- GotQuestions.org: What is the Synoptic Problem?
- Theopedia: The Synoptic Problem
- Christian Apologetics and Research Ministries: What is the gospel of Q and does it prove the gospels are false?
- Daniel Wallace: The Synoptic Problem, The Synoptic Problem and Inspiration
- John MacArthur: Introduction to Mark
- James Arlandson: What Is the “Q” Gospel?
- Mark D. Roberts: What Sources Did the Gospel Writers Use?
Related terms:
1The authors of these articles do not all agree on the best solution to the synoptic problem, or even whether there actually is one, and I don’t know enough to have an informed opinion.
Do you have a a theological term you’d like to see featured as a Theological Term of the Week? Email your suggestion using the contact button in the navigation bar above.
Clicking on the Theological Terms button will take you to an alphabetical list of all the theological terms.