Synoptic Problem of the Periscopes

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the first and foremost problem of the periscopes was known as the Griesbach Hypothesis, then the Two Gospel Hypothesis, and now the Synoptic Problem, which is a question of literary dependence. The author points out that, at present, there is a consensus only on the two-source theory; according to this, the Gospel of Mark (or some earlier form of that Gospel) and the Gospel of Matthew form the basis of the canonical Gospel, which was proven by the fact that most of the narrative matter in Mark is present in Matthew and in Luke. This paper concludes that it is not possible to know which of the Gospels is the first Gospel without obtaining further conclusive evidence because the evidence of today is at best circumstantial and judgmental.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Analysis
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"According to most literary critics, literary dependence occurs when there is overlap in content, or parallels in the order of passages, and verbal agreements. The first point of there being overlap in content is not accepted by many critics, as obviously there will be overlap in the events described in the synoptic Gospels. This would happen if any of the three methods of the writing of the Gospel: eyewitness, oral tradition, or literary dependence. Since the same history that is being written, there has to be a lot of stories that will be common to all versions of the Gospels."

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