Synoptic problem
= is the problem of how exactly the content of the 3 synoptic gospel in the NT are related
all hypotheses start with analyses of the evidence (Mt, Mk, LK)
early ideas - Augustine of Hippo
content includes
what Jesus said
teachings - conversations, parables, discources
similarities & differences in content, style & theological emphasis
what Jesus did
key events & miracles - physical healings, nature, raising to life, exorcisms
Matthew
Mark
Mk abbreviated Mt
Mt first - priority of Matthew
Luke
wrote later using Mk adding in bits of Mt & his own info
not widely accepted - but W.R.Farmer suggested Mt 1st, them Lk, then Mk using both to make compromise
source criticism
scholars looking at the end result & trying to determine the sources of each finished gospel
2 source hypothesis - Holtzman
Mark (source 1)
'Q' (source 2)
Matthew
using Mk & Q
Luke
using Mk & Q
Q = a hypothetical source consisting of the content in Mt & Lk but not found in MK (mostly logia - sayings of Jesus)
4 source hypothesis - Streeter
Mark (source 1)
'Q' (source 2)
Matthew
using Mk, Q & M
M (source 3)
Luke
using Mk, Q & L
L (source 4)
Mt's special hypothetical source
Lk's special hypothetical source
relationship between the synoptic gospels
some NT scholars have rejected source criticism as no single theory : successfully account for all the details of the source - need as more holistic approach such as literary/narrative criticism
4 source generally excepted
Proto-Gospel
some scholar think there might have been a 1st attempt as a gospel which all 3 gospel writer have access to & used according to their agendas
would explain the similarity in language & structure between the gospels - is a plausible bridge between the words & actions of Jesus & his disciples & the gospel writers
Form criticism
identifies & explodes what forms of text predate the written sources e.g. sayings, parables
redaction criticism
interested in the way the authors choose their sources - what they leave in & leave out & what they change