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