What are the Synoptic Gospels and why are they called 'synoptic'?

The Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—are three of the four canonical gospels in the New Testament that provide a similar narrative of the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The term "synoptic" comes from the Greek word "synopsis," which means "a seeing together" or "a common view." This term aptly describes these three gospels because they share a significant amount of content, structure, and wording. They can be placed side by side and "seen together" for comparative study, revealing a high degree of similarity in their accounts. This contrasts with the Gospel of John, which presents a distinct narrative and theological perspective.

The Synoptic Problem

The Synoptic Gospels are often studied together because they exhibit remarkable parallels. Scholars refer to the questions surrounding these similarities and differences as the "Synoptic Problem." This problem seeks to understand the literary relationship between the three gospels. How did these texts come to be so similar, and what sources did the authors use?

One widely accepted theory is the Two-Source Hypothesis. According to this theory, Mark was the first gospel written, and both Matthew and Luke used Mark as a source. In addition to Mark, Matthew and Luke also drew from a hypothetical source known as "Q" (from the German word "Quelle," meaning "source"), which contained sayings of Jesus. This theory helps explain why Matthew and Luke share material not found in Mark. However, it's worth noting that the existence of Q is hypothetical and has not been universally accepted.

The Gospel of Matthew

The Gospel of Matthew is traditionally attributed to Matthew, a tax collector and one of Jesus' twelve apostles. Matthew's gospel is particularly concerned with presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, making it especially relevant to a Jewish audience. It begins with a genealogy tracing Jesus' lineage back to Abraham, emphasizing his Jewish heritage and his role as the promised Messiah.

Matthew's gospel includes several unique elements, such as the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), which contains some of Jesus' most profound teachings, including the Beatitudes. Matthew also emphasizes the Kingdom of Heaven, a term he uses frequently, reflecting his Jewish audience's sensitivity to the name of God.

The Gospel of Mark

The Gospel of Mark is generally considered the earliest of the Synoptic Gospels, likely written around 70 AD. It is traditionally attributed to John Mark, a companion of the Apostle Peter, and is thought to reflect Peter's eyewitness accounts. Mark's gospel is the shortest and most action-packed of the three, often using the term "immediately" to convey a sense of urgency in Jesus' ministry.

Mark's narrative focuses on the deeds of Jesus more than his teachings, portraying him as a powerful, yet suffering, servant. One of the key themes in Mark is the "Messianic Secret," where Jesus frequently instructs those he heals or his disciples to keep his identity as the Messiah a secret (Mark 8:29-30). This theme highlights the paradox of a suffering Messiah, which was a challenging concept for first-century Jews.

The Gospel of Luke

The Gospel of Luke is attributed to Luke, a physician and companion of the Apostle Paul. Luke's gospel is unique in its emphasis on the universality of Jesus' message, portraying him as the Savior of all people, not just the Jews. Luke's narrative includes detailed accounts of Jesus' birth and early life, such as the Annunciation to Mary (Luke 1:26-38) and the Nativity (Luke 2:1-20).

Luke also emphasizes Jesus' compassion for the marginalized, including women, the poor, and Gentiles. Parables unique to Luke, such as the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) and the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), reflect this inclusive message. Additionally, Luke's gospel contains a sequel, the Book of Acts, which continues the story of the early Christian church and the spread of the gospel.

Why Are They Called 'Synoptic'?

The term "synoptic" is used because Matthew, Mark, and Luke can be viewed together in a way that reveals their similarities and differences. This synoptic view allows scholars and readers to compare the gospels side by side, examining how each author presents the life and teachings of Jesus. The similarities among the Synoptic Gospels are often explained by the theory of literary dependence, where the authors used common sources or borrowed from each other.

For example, the feeding of the 5,000 is a miracle recorded in all three Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17). While the core story remains the same, each gospel includes unique details and emphases. Mark's account is the most concise, while Matthew adds that Jesus had compassion on the crowd and healed their sick (Matthew 14:14). Luke, on the other hand, mentions that Jesus welcomed the crowd and spoke to them about the Kingdom of God (Luke 9:11).

Theological Implications

The Synoptic Gospels offer a rich tapestry of perspectives on the life of Jesus, each contributing to a fuller understanding of his identity and mission. Matthew presents Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy, Mark emphasizes his role as the suffering servant, and Luke highlights his compassion and universal message. Together, they provide a multi-faceted portrait of Jesus that enriches our faith and deepens our understanding of the gospel.

The similarities and differences among the Synoptic Gospels also remind us of the diverse ways in which the early Christian community understood and proclaimed the good news of Jesus Christ. Each gospel reflects the unique context and concerns of its audience, demonstrating the adaptability and relevance of the gospel message across different cultures and times.

Conclusion

In summary, the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—are called "synoptic" because they can be viewed together, revealing their similarities and differences. These gospels share a common narrative framework and many of the same stories, yet each presents a unique perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus. By studying the Synoptic Gospels together, we gain a richer, more nuanced understanding of who Jesus is and what he came to accomplish. As we read and reflect on these sacred texts, we are invited to encounter Jesus anew and to be transformed by his life-giving message.