Exploring the Synoptic Gospels and Their Key Themes

Synoptic Gospels

Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

Synoptic Problem

Questioning similarities and differences among Synoptic Gospels.

Triple Tradition

Passages where all three Gospels agree.

Double Tradition

Passages where two Gospels share wording.

Marcan Priority

Theory that Mark was written first.

Source Q

Hypothetical source for Matthew and Luke.

Biblical Criticism

Analysis of biblical texts for historical context.

Christology

Study of the nature and role of Christ.

Saviour

One who saves from sin or danger.

Messiah/Christ

Anointed one expected to deliver Israel.

Son of God

Divine title for Jesus in Christianity.

Son of Man

Term Jesus used to refer to himself.

Infancy Narrative

Accounts of Jesus' birth and early life.

Passion Narrative

Accounts of Jesus' suffering and crucifixion.

Genealogy of Jesus

Lineage tracing back to Abraham or Adam.

Calming of the Storm

Miracle story with different wordings in Gospels.

Augustinian Hypothesis

Matthew first, followed by Mark and Luke.

Griesbach's Hypothesis

Matthew first, then Luke, with Mark copying both.

Holtzmann's Hypothesis

Mark first, with Matthew and Luke using 'Q'.

Streeter's Hypothesis

Mark first, with Matthew and Luke using 'Q', 'M', 'L'.

Length Argument

Mark's brevity suggests it is the original.

Banks' View

Explores relationships between similarities and differences.

Deeds of Jesus

Mark focuses on actions, less on teachings.

Fluent Greek

Matthew and Luke used more sophisticated Greek language.

Aramaic Words

Mark incorporated local language of Jesus, Aramaic.

Grammatical Redundancy

Mark contains 200 incorrect grammatical phrases.

Agreement Patterns

Matthew and Luke rarely align against Mark's order.

Purposeful Deviations

Matthew and Luke selectively follow or deviate from Mark.

Humanizing Jesus

Mark depicts Jesus as 'angry'; others omit this.

Disciples' Shortcomings

Matthew and Luke downplay disciples' failures over time.

Gradual Healing

Mark describes healing as gradual, unlike others.

Omissions in Luke

Luke excludes stories from Mark, notably miracles.

Simon Magus Speculation

Omissions may relate to heretical stories about Simon.

Minor Agreements

Matthew and Luke include 'bitterly' in Peter's denial.

Source 'Q'

Hypothetical source for shared material in Matthew, Luke.

Teachings of Jesus

'Q' contains around 250 verses of Jesus' sayings.

Quelle

German for 'source'; refers to Source 'Q'.

Holtzmann's Theory

Two Source Theory based on 'Q' and Mark.

Oral Source Speculation

'Q' might have been an oral tradition.

Doublets

Repeated phrases in Synoptics supporting 'Q' existence.

Sermon on the Mount

Different placements in Matthew and Luke challenge 'Q'.

Griesbach Theory

Two Gospel hypothesis explaining minor agreements.

Q

Hypothetical source for Matthew and Luke's similarities.

Arguments for Q

Evidence suggesting Q explains gospel similarities.

Goodacre's Argument

Claims Q does not exist; literary dependence instead.

M and L Material

Unique content in Matthew and Luke, respectively.

Matthew's Additions

Unique material added to Mark's content by Matthew.

Luke's Structure

Less organized than Matthew's five teaching blocks.

Maier's View

Holy Spirit should guide biblical understanding.

Linnemann's Critique

Secular views conflict with Christian Bible interpretation.

Ladd's Position

Biblical criticism can coexist with divine inspiration.

Source Criticism

Identifies and authenticates sources of gospel writers.

Drane's Insight

Gospels are different editions of similar material.

Historical Accuracy

Source criticism helps identify earliest, most accurate gospels.

Authenticity Probability

Multiple sources increase likelihood of material's authenticity.

Contrasting Beliefs

Authors include material opposing their views for authenticity.

Reliability of Teaching

Outlining sources enhances trustworthiness of gospel teachings.

Redaction Criticism

Explains material exclusion from certain gospels.

Form Criticism

Traces Jesus' sayings before they were documented.

Limitations of Source Criticism

Ignores oral traditions and document origins.

Post-Resurrection Documents

Written gospels emerged after Jesus' death and resurrection.

Evangelists

Focus on theological significance over historical accuracy.

Divine Inspiration

Belief that scriptures are inspired by God.

2 Timothy 3:16

Scripture is considered 'God breathed'.

Theoretical Sources

Hypothetical documents like 'Q' that are unverified.

Narrative Criticism

Analyzes text as a cohesive literary unit.

Rhoads and Michie

Pioneers of Narrative Criticism approach.

Holistic Approach

Reads text as a whole for deeper understanding.

Repetition in Texts

Emphasizes themes through repeated phrases.

Symbolism of Mountains

Represents divine encounters or revelations.

Characterisation

Develops characters to convey deeper meanings.

Implied Author

Author's perspective inferred from the text.

Implied Reader

Target audience inferred from the text.

Emotional Impact

Narrative Criticism enhances reader's emotional engagement.

Limitations of Narrative Criticism

Critique of modern techniques applied to ancient texts.

Subjective Meaning

Interpretations of texts can vary widely.

Hypostatic Union

Jesus as fully man and fully God.

Saviour in Luke

Luke emphasizes God as the source of salvation.

Personal Revelation

Engagement with the Bible leads to individual insights.

Agent of Salvation

Jesus' role in delivering humanity from sin.

Messiah

Hebrew term meaning 'anointed one'.

Christ

Greek term meaning 'anointed one'.

Anointing

Symbol of equipping for religious roles.

Suffering Messiah

Emphasis on the Messiah's suffering in the New Testament.

Luke 24:46

Scripture stating the Messiah must suffer.

God's Messiah

Peter's title for Jesus in confession.

Holy Spirit Anointing

Jesus anointed during his baptism.

Gabriel's Announcement

Describes Jesus as 'son of the most high God'.

Luke's Genealogy

Traces Jesus back to Adam and God.

Matthew's Genealogy

Traces Jesus back to Abraham.

Divine Sonship

Jesus' sonship linked to the virgin birth.

Luke 23:34

Jesus asks God to forgive his crucifiers.

Matthew 3:17

God declares Jesus as his beloved son.

Nethcott's View

Baptism validates Jesus' identity as God's son.

Usage in New Testament

'Son of Man' appears 85 times.

Old Testament Reference

Links 'Son of Man' to prophets and suffering.

Luke 9:58

Jesus identifies as 'Son of Man' without home.

Kingdom Ethic

Teachings of Jesus focused on love and ethics.

Greatest Commandment

Love God, love your neighbor, and enemies.

Matthew vs. Luke

Different audiences influence teachings on enemies.