Seminar: Synoptic Gospels
Of the four Gospels, the first three, Matthew, Mark, and Luke, are called the synoptic Gospels because they more clearly have parallel details about Jesus’ life and ministry. Through an examination of the synoptic gospels, the reader may find most of the details that may be known of Jesus’ life. Seminars cost $50. Student taking this class will:
- Understand the differences between the Synoptic Gospels
- Gain an understanding of when the texts were written
- Examine historical and current theories concerning the Synoptic Gospels
- Gain a chronological understanding of Jesus' life
The Synoptic Problem
The first three Gospels contain many of the same stories about Jesus, and sometimes they are word-for-word the same. There must be some literary relationship between them, and this is called, "the Synoptic Problem." There are generally four theories:
- The Two Source Hypothesis
- The Farrer Hypothesis
- The Two Gospel Hypothesis
- The Orality and Memory Hypothesis
Texts used in class (for information, not required)
The following texts were consulted in preparing the course. While not required, they are excellent additions to any library if a student opts to get them.
- Nickle, Keith F. The Syoptic Gospels: An Introduction. Atlanta, GA: John Knox Press, 1981.
- Porter, Stanley E. and Dyer, Bryan R. The Synoptic Problem: Four Views. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2016.