Possible Solutions to the Synoptic Problem in the Gospels

The term “Synoptic Problem” alludes to the similarities and differences that is apparent in the Synoptic Gospels. Events that occurred are detailed in somewhat different arrangements and narrations. These differences and similarities have caused observant Christians to wonder what could cause what appear to be a chronological difference in these Gospels and why do we have more than one Gospel? All of these observations and questions in essence make up the “Synoptic Problem.” (Lea and Black,The New Testament Its Background and message 2003:114) The development of the Gospel as described by Luke referred to “eyewitnesses” an “account of the things” and “an orderly account”. These stages correlate to the Oral tradition, the period of written sources, and the period of final composition.(Lea and Black,The New Testament Its Background and message 2003:115)

• The Urevangelium Theory by G. E. Lessing a German critic suggests that the relationships from the Gospels derived from a single Gospel written in Hebrew or Aramaic. He believed that Matthew wrote the Aramaic Gospel of the Nazarenes, the germs of which originated in the time immediately following the death of Jesus Christ. This theory of an Urevangelium has no historical support and is improbable to a high degree. (Thiessen, Introduction to the New Testament 2002:103)

• The Oral Tradition Theory by Geisler suggests that the common basis of the Synoptics was entirely oral due to the instruction of the Apostles during their prolonged stay at Jerusalem. This material came to be repeated by all the same way. (Thiessen, Introduction to the New Testament 2002:106) This theory is true but has its limits. Surely the teachings of Jesus Christ and facts of his life were first given orall...

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...a law perspective and Luke from a socio-ecomomic perspective. Retrospectively the ipsissima verba and the ipissima vox of Jesus, enunciated the authenticity of His voice and not his words verbatim. Therefore we should believe that each writer gives us an accurate summary in their own words. (Lea and Black,The New Testament Its Background and message 2003:122-125)

Works Cited

Bibliography

Carson, D.A., and Douglas J. Moo. An Introduction to the New Testament. 2nd Edition. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2005.

Lea, Thomas D., and David Alan Black. The New Testament Its Background and message. 2nd edition. Nashville, Tennessee: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2003.

Thiessen, Henry Clarence. Introduction to the New Testament. 1st Edition. Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson, 2002.