Synoptic II
Thesis: A Theological and Linguistic Approach to the Synoptic Problem: Understanding the Gradual Unveiling of Christ in the Gospels Abstract
The Synoptic Problem, which addresses the relationships between the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, has generated many scholarly theories. This paper proposes an alternative solution that emphasizes the Hebrew word formations and sensus plenior in the development of early Christian theology. It argues that the Gospel writers were not simply dependent on each other chronologically but that each Gospel reflects a deepening theological understanding of Christ. The paper suggests that Luke’s omission of the Yeshua/Emmanuel prophecy (Matthew 1:22-23) was because the Greek-speaking Christian communities were not sufficiently interested in learning Hebrew to appreciate the linguistic nuances and word-play inherent in the prophecy. Additionally, the paper proposes that after hearing the sermon on the road to Emmaus, the disciples applied Christ-centered methods to their own studies of the Old Testament, leading to the writing of Scripture.
The thesis also posits that the long ending of Mark was originally part of the Gospel but was initially removed due to its use of riddle-like language, which could have led to misinterpretations if taken literally. Later, someone who did not understand why it was removed added it back into the Gospel, giving the impression of a later addition. Introduction
The Synoptic Problem has long puzzled biblical scholars, seeking to explain the literary relationships between the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. While various theories—such as Markan priority and the Two-Source Hypothesis—offer explanations for the textual similarities and differences, many fail to account for the theological and linguistic processes at play in the early Christian community. This paper offers an alternative solution, arguing that the Gospel writers were not simply dependent on one another but were involved in a process of progressive revelation, shaped by their growing understanding of the Old Testament and its fulfillment in Christ.
The key to this development was the disciples' encounter with Jesus on the road to Emmaus, where He explained how the Scriptures pointed to Himself (Luke 24:25-27). This sermon triggered the disciples to begin applying these Christ-centered interpretative methods to their own studies of the Old Testament. They then wrote the Gospels with the Holy Spirit’s guidance, which helped them recall and recognize Christ in the Scriptures. This process led to the writing of the New Testament and the gradual revelation of Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies. Thus, everything in the Gospels has an Old Testament source in sensus plenior, if not literally. The Role of Hebrew Word Formations in Early Christian Thought
A critical aspect of this thesis is the role of Hebrew word formations in understanding Old Testament prophecy. Names such as Yeshua (salvation) and Emmanuel (God with us) carry deep theological significance when understood in their original Hebrew context. These names, rich in linguistic and prophetic meaning, were central to the disciples’ understanding of Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.
However, the early Christian community, especially those in predominantly Greek-speaking areas, often lacked the Hebrew language skills to appreciate the full depth of these word-play connections. While sensus plenior—the deeper, Christ-centered meaning of the Scriptures—was accessible to those with a foundational understanding of the Hebrew Scriptures, the Greek-speaking Christians were at a disadvantage. As a result, Luke’s omission of the Yeshua/Emmanuel prophecy reflects the limited linguistic engagement of his intended audience with the Hebrew Scriptures. Luke’s Omission of the Yeshua/Emmanuel Prophecy
One of the most significant aspects of this thesis is the understanding of why Luke omitted the Yeshua/Emmanuel prophecy found in Matthew 1:22-23. This prophecy, which connects Jesus’ birth to the fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14, hinges on a deep understanding of Hebrew word forms and their prophetic implications. The names Yeshua and Emmanuel are rich in linguistic meaning that would have been immediately apparent to those familiar with Hebrew.
However, the Greek-speaking Christians—Luke’s primary audience—were less likely to be familiar with the nuances of the Hebrew language, particularly the word-play involved in understanding these names. As a result, Luke chose not to include the prophecy, recognizing that its significance would not be clear to his audience without the necessary linguistic understanding. This omission was not a theological denial of the prophecy’s importance but rather a recognition of the limitations of the Greek-speaking Church's understanding at the time. The Disciples' Experience on the Road to Emmaus and the Trigger for the Gospels
A pivotal moment in the disciples' theological development occurred on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35), when Jesus opened their understanding of how the Old Testament pointed to Him. After the resurrection, Jesus revealed to the disciples that the Scriptures—both the Law and the Prophets—spoke of His life, death, and resurrection. This Christ-centered approach to interpreting the Old Testament became the foundation for the disciples’ theological reflection and ultimately led to the writing of the Gospels.
Following this experience, the disciples began to apply these newly acquired interpretative methods to their own studies of the Hebrew Scriptures, with the Holy Spirit reminding them of Jesus’ teachings and their fulfillment in the Scriptures. This theological breakthrough prompted the disciples to write the Gospels, drawing from their understanding of the Old Testament in light of Christ. The Holy Spirit empowered them to recall Christ’s words and actions and to see the Old Testament as a Christ-centered narrative, filled with shadows and types pointing to Jesus as the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.
Thus, the process of writing Scripture was not merely about recording historical events but about interpreting those events through the lens of the Old Testament, which was now seen as a preparation for Christ’s coming. This understanding of the Scriptures became the foundation for the early Christian teachings and writings, including the Synoptic Gospels. The Long Ending of Mark: A Riddle Misunderstood
The long ending of Mark 16:9-20, which includes the passage about handling serpents and drinking poison without harm, has long been debated due to its absence in some early manuscripts. This thesis suggests that the long ending was originally part of Mark’s Gospel but was removed early on because it was written in riddle-like language that could have led to dangerous misinterpretations if taken literally.
The passage contains symbolic teachings about temptation (serpents) and learning (eating and drinking as metaphors for gaining knowledge). The true meaning of the passage was that believers would be tempted and exposed to harmful or erroneous teachings but would not be spiritually harmed. This teaching was not meant to be taken as a literal directive to handle serpents or drink poison but as a theological insight into the spiritual dangers of false teachings.
Early Christians, recognizing the potential for harm in a literal interpretation, may have decided to remove the passage to prevent misapplications. Later, however, someone who did not understand the original reason for the omission found the passage and added it back, giving the impression of a later addition. This misunderstanding of the riddle-like nature of the passage likely explains why it appeared in some later manuscripts but was not present in the earliest copies of Mark’s Gospel. The Gradual Unveiling of Christ in the Gospels
As the disciples’ understanding of the Old Testament deepened, their writings progressively revealed the fulfillment of prophecies concerning the Messiah. Each Gospel represents a stage in this theological development:
Mark: Mark’s Gospel is the most concise and action-oriented. It focuses on Jesus' works and teachings, emphasizing His identity as the Messiah, but it does not delve deeply into the Old Testament typology. Mark serves as the foundational narrative for understanding Jesus' mission but is less concerned with theological exposition.
Matthew: Matthew’s Gospel builds upon Mark, placing greater emphasis on Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Matthew traces Jesus’ genealogy back to Abraham and highlights key Old Testament prophecies that point to Jesus as the Messiah. The understanding of Jesus’ fulfillment of Israel’s role is central to Matthew’s Gospel.
Luke: Luke’s Gospel emphasizes the universality of Christ’s mission, presenting Jesus as the Savior for all people. Luke integrates a Christ-centered reading of the Old Testament, reflecting a more developed understanding of how Jesus’ life and ministry fulfilled God’s redemptive plan for humanity. However, Luke’s focus is more on the global mission of Jesus than on the linguistic depth found in later Gospels.
John: John’s Gospel represents the culmination of the theological understanding of Christ. It presents Jesus not only as the Messiah but as the Logos, the eternal Word of God who was present at creation. John’s profound insights into Hebrew word formations and Old Testament typology provide a deeper Christology that reveals the full significance of Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s plan.
Conclusion
This thesis suggests that the Synoptic Problem should be understood as a reflection of the early Church’s progressive revelation of Christ, facilitated by the Holy Spirit and based on a growing understanding of the Old Testament in light of Christ. The omission of the Yeshua/Emmanuel prophecy in Luke’s Gospel is not a denial of its importance but rather a recognition of the Greek-speaking Church’s lack of interest or ability to engage with Hebrew word forms. Following the disciples’
