06 — The Synoptic Problem
The literary relationship among Matthew, Mark, and Luke — the “Synoptics,” so alike that they can be set in parallel columns and read “with one eye” — and the question of which came first. These files lay out the problem (the agreements and disagreements that demand an explanation) and the rival solutions: the traditional and patristic Matthean priority (Augustine; the later Griesbach/Two-Gospel hypothesis) against the dominant modern Markan priority with a sayings-source Q (the Two-Source theory).
Tradition: Pan-Orthodox (Apostle and Evangelist)
The synoptic problem is not a modern invention: Augustine already noticed that the first three Gospels overlap and offered an account of their order and dependence (De consensu evangelistarum). But the question became central with the rise of source criticism, and the answer bears directly on Matthew, since the patristic tradition placed Matthew first and the dominant modern theory places Mark first. This section sets out the data — the triple tradition, the double tradition, the minor agreements, and the patterns of order and wording — and then presents the two great families of solution with their proponents and dates: the traditional Matthean priority, including its modern revival in the Griesbach (Two-Gospel) hypothesis defended by W. R. Farmer; and the now-dominant Two-Source theory (Markan priority plus Q), associated with Lachmann, Holtzmann, Weisse, and B. H. Streeter. Per METHODOLOGY §4, both are presented fairly, with sources, and the Orthodox liberty on a literary question that no council has defined is noted.
Files in This Section
| File | Description |
|---|---|
| The Synoptic Problem | The data to be explained: the triple and double traditions, the agreements in order and wording, the minor agreements; Augustine’s early observation; and why the relationship of Matthew, Mark, and Luke demands a literary explanation. |
| The Question of Priority | The rival solutions: traditional/patristic Matthean priority (Augustine; Griesbach; Farmer’s Two-Gospel hypothesis) versus the dominant modern Markan priority and Q (the Two-Source theory of Lachmann, Weisse, Holtzmann, Streeter); the arguments on each side; and the Orthodox latitude on an open literary question. |
See Also
- The Hebrew-Matthew Question — the related question of a Semitic source
- Papias and the Logia — the patristic ordering testimony
- Authorship and Dating — how priority bears on dating
- Holy Scripture — inspiration and the four-Gospel canon
References
- Augustine of Hippo. The Harmony of the Gospels (De consensu evangelistarum). Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Series I, Vol. 6.
- Streeter, B. H. The Four Gospels: A Study of Origins. London: Macmillan, 1924.
- Farmer, William R. The Synoptic Problem: A Critical Analysis. New York: Macmillan, 1964.
- Sanday, W., ed. Studies in the Synoptic Problem. Oxford: Clarendon, 1911.