Synoptic Gospels: Possible Found In Matthew, Mark, And Luke

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When the synoptic gospels are compared there are frequent parallels found. Analysis of these works has discovered that a considerable number of the stories, parables and teachings are found in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. An extensive amount of similar material is found in Matthew and Luke but not in Mark. Additionally, material is found in Matthew and Mark but not in Luke. Lastly some of the material is found in Luke and Mark however, not found in Matthew. This indicates that the synoptic gospels do not have the exact same material, but they all include parallel material. Many scholars are working to solve the synoptic problem and as a result, many theories have come to light. The Farrer theory proposes that the gospel of Mark was the first …show more content…

In all three Gospels he states that the most important command is to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind) (Deuteronomy 6:5). And the second command he gives is similar to the first, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself”(Leviticus 19:18). Based on the details and stories told with these commands I would argue that the Farrer theory is the most likely solution to the synoptic problem. Mark and Matthew have similar stories and contexts in which this command is given. With Mark being written first in this theory it would make sense that Matthew would use some of Mark’s story line and details to get the message across. Luke has a different context in which the command is told. He speaks of the Good Samaritan and gives a lot of details in the story. This makes me think that Luke looked at Mark and Matthew’s ideas and commands but also added a parable of his own to give it larger meaning. Also in all of the Synoptics, Jesus is questioned by different people as somewhat of a test to see what Jesus thinks is the greatest command. This shows that it is possible that both Matthew and Luke used Mark as source and copied the same concept because it is a very crucial point in the gospels. Many theories could be seen in these chapters of the Gospels, but I think the Farrer theory seems the most

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