Synoptic solution

Synoptic solution [∞]

The Synoptic Problem often focuses on specific pericopes (individual units of narrative or teaching) that appear in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, particularly those that raise questions about their sources and relationships. This page discusses the 'problem'; the linked pages give the solution. Here are five key pericopes that are frequently discussed:

1. The Baptism of Jesus
   • ▸ ± Mark 1:9-11, Matthew 3:13-17,Luke 3:21-22
   • This event marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry and is present in all three Synoptic Gospels with similar details. The similarities in wording and content suggest a shared source or influence, and the presence of this account in all three Gospels leads to discussion of whether it was an oral tradition or a written source (e.g., Q).
2. The Temptation of Jesus in the Wilderness
   • ▸ ± Mark 1:12-13,Matthew 4:1-11,Luke 4:1-13
   • This is a significant pericope where Jesus is tempted by Satan after his baptism. It is found in all three Synoptic Gospels, though the details differ slightly (Matthew and Luke include a more elaborate account). The structure and themes of this story raise questions about its origin and whether it was adapted from a common source or shaped independently by each Gospel writer.
3. The Feeding of the Five Thousand
   • ▸ ± Mark 6:30-44,Matthew 14:13-21,Luke 9:10-17
   • This miracle is one of the most famous in the Synoptic Gospels. The story is quite similar in all three Gospels, with variations in wording and emphasis. This pericope is commonly used to explore the idea of Markan priority and whether Matthew and Luke modified Mark’s account or shared an additional source.
4. The Parable of the Sower
   • ▸ ± Mark 4:1-20,Matthew 13:1-23,Luke 8:4-15
   • The Parable of the Sower is another widely discussed pericope, as it appears in all three Synoptic Gospels with some slight differences. The similarities suggest that the Gospel writers were familiar with a common source, but the differences in how the parable is introduced and explained provide insight into how each Gospel writer shaped the story for their specific audience.
5. The Passion Narrative (Crucifixion of Jesus)
   • ▸ ± Mark 15:21-41,Matthew 27:32-56,Luke 23:26-49
   • The Passion Narrative, particularly the crucifixion of Jesus, is a critical pericope in all three Gospels, with some shared elements and some notable differences. The synoptic nature of the story—while maintaining unique details in each Gospel—raises questions about whether the Gospel writers relied on shared traditions, oral accounts, or written sources in crafting the story.

These five pericopes are often used as key examples when discussing the Synoptic Problem because they illustrate the patterns of agreement and divergence found across the three Gospels, helping scholars to propose theories about their relationships and shared sources.

The synoptic study

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The Synoptic Solution

The Synoptic Problem examines specific passages (pericopes) found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, especially those that raise questions about their sources and how the Gospels relate to one another. This page explores the "problem," with linked pages offering potential solutions. Below are five key passages that are frequently discussed:

1. The Baptism of Jesus ▸ ± Mark 1:9-11, Matthew 3:13-17, Luke 3:21-22 This event marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry and appears in all three Synoptic Gospels with striking similarities. These common details suggest a shared source or influence, sparking debate over whether the account originated from oral tradition or a written source (e.g., Q).
2. The Temptation of Jesus in the Wilderness ▸ ± Mark 1:12-13, Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-13 A pivotal pericope where Jesus is tempted by Satan after His baptism, found in all three Synoptic Gospels. While Matthew and Luke provide a more detailed version, the differences in presentation raise questions about the story’s origin and whether the Gospel writers adapted a common source or developed the account independently.
3. The Feeding of the Five Thousand ▸ ± Mark 6:30-44, Matthew 14:13-21, Luke 9:10-17 One of the most famous miracles, this event is narrated in all three Gospels with variations in wording and emphasis. This pericope is crucial for discussions about Markan priority, exploring whether Matthew and Luke modified Mark’s account or whether they had access to a different, shared source.
4. The Parable of the Sower ▸ ± Mark 4:1-20, Matthew 13:1-23, Luke 8:4-15 A widely discussed parable, appearing in all three Synoptic Gospels with minor differences. These similarities suggest the use of a common source, but the differences in introduction and explanation shed light on how each Gospel writer tailored the story for their audience.
5. The Passion Narrative (Crucifixion of Jesus) ▸ ± Mark 15:21-41, Matthew 27:32-56, Luke 23:26-49 The Passion narrative, especially the crucifixion of Jesus, is a central pericope in all three Gospels, containing both shared and unique elements. The similarities suggest a shared tradition, while the differences provoke questions about the sources—oral, written, or otherwise—used by the Gospel writers to craft this pivotal story.

These five pericopes serve as key examples in discussing the Synoptic Problem. They highlight patterns of agreement and divergence across the Gospels, helping scholars to formulate theories about their relationships and the shared sources that might have influenced them.