Describe the synoptic problems and explain the possible solutions.

The synoptic problem refers to the similarities and differences between the three synoptic Gospels - Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The Gospels share many common stories, events, and teachings, leading scholars to believe that they were written using similar sources or that they were influenced by each other. However, there are also significant differences in the order, wording, and emphasis of certain passages, leading to questions about the relationship between the Gospels.

There are several proposed solutions to the synoptic problem:

1. The Two-Source Hypothesis: This theory suggests that Matthew and Luke used Mark as a primary source and another common source, known as "Q" (from the German word "Quelle," meaning source), which contained sayings of Jesus. This theory explains the similarities between the Gospels and the unique material found in Matthew and Luke.

2. The Farrer Hypothesis: This theory proposes that Mark was the first Gospel written, and both Matthew and Luke used Mark as a source. Matthew then used Luke as a secondary source, explaining the similarities between Matthew and Luke that are not found in Mark.

3. The Griesbach Hypothesis: This theory suggests that Matthew was the first Gospel written, followed by Luke, and then Mark. This theory is less widely accepted than the other two hypotheses.

4. The Augustinian Hypothesis: This theory suggests that Matthew was the first Gospel written, followed by Mark, and then Luke. This theory is based on the traditional order of the Gospels in the New Testament.

Overall, the synoptic problem remains a topic of debate among scholars, and there is no consensus on the best solution. Each proposed solution has its strengths and weaknesses, and scholars continue to study the Gospels to better understand their relationships and origins.

Synoptic Problems

The Gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, and Luke (the Synoptic Gospels) exhibit significant similarities and differences, leading to the identification of two major synoptic problems:

- Two-Source Hypothesis: The Synoptics share a common source (Mark) and a separate source representing sayings of Jesus (Q).
- Triple Tradition: About 200 verses appear in all three Synoptics, posing a problem of their origin and relationships.

Possible Solutions

Two-Source Hypothesis

- Ur-Mark: Mark was the primary source for Matthew and Luke, containing 600-700 verses.
- Q Source: A hypothetical collection of Jesus' sayings used by both Matthew and Luke, containing about 230 verses.

Triple Tradition

- Marcan Priority: Mark was written first, and Matthew and Luke independently incorporated sections from it.
- Q Priority: Q was written first, and Mark drew from it along with Matthew and Luke.
- Two-Document Hypothesis: Mark and Q were both written independently, and Matthew and Luke used both sources in their gospels.

Other Solutions

- Three-Source Hypothesis: Suggests a third source beyond Mark and Q called "M."
- Four-Source Hypothesis: Argues for the use of a fourth source, "L," which influenced Luke's gospel.
- Multiple-Source Hypothesis: Proposes that the Synoptics drew from multiple smaller sources and traditions.

Evaluation

The Two-Source Hypothesis remains the most widely accepted solution for the synoptic problems. However, the precise nature of the sources, their relationships, and the degree to which they influenced the gospels are still debated among scholars.

Citation and references on Farrer hypothasis