Understanding the synoptic tradition

Matthew, Mark and Luke are called the Synoptic Gospels because they can be 'seen together' — they share so much material, order and wording that their literary relationship demands explanation. This is the Synoptic Problem.

Source criticism asks which Gospel used which. Candidates study the relationship between the first three Gospels and the sources that may lie behind them.

Solutions to the Synoptic Problem

The most widely accepted solution combines two ideas:

• Markan priority — Mark was written first and used by Matthew and Luke;
• the Q source — a hypothetical collection of sayings shared by Matthew and Luke but absent from Mark.

Together these form the Two-Source Hypothesis. B. H. Streeter expanded it into a Four-Source Hypothesis (adding special material 'M' and 'L'). A rival view, the Griesbach hypothesis, defends Matthean priority instead.

Evaluate: Q has never been found as a document — is it a solid conclusion or a scholarly hypothesis?

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Interpreting the text

Biblical criticism is essential to reading the Synoptics well. The specification highlights narrative criticism — attending to plot, character and how each evangelist shapes the story — alongside the wider contribution of scholarship to understanding Luke and the other Synoptics.

The person of Jesus: Christological titles

How do the Synoptics present Jesus? Two titles are central:

• Son of Man — an enigmatic title Jesus uses of himself, rooted in Jewish tradition, carrying ideas of suffering, authority and future vindication; and
• Son of God — expressing a unique relationship with the Father.

Candidates should know the background to these titles and how each evangelist presents them.

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The ethics of Jesus

Jesus' teaching challenged the attitudes of his day. The specification groups it into themes:

• Compassion for enemies and sinners (Matthew 5:38–48, Luke 6:27–36, 7:36–50, 19:1–10);
• the command to love (Matthew 22:34–40, Mark 12:28–34, Luke 10:25–28); and
• wealth and poverty — the Rich Man (Luke 18:18–30), the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13–21), riches in Heaven (Luke 12:32–34) and the Widow's Offering (Mark 12:38–44).

Which theme of Jesus' ethics?

Tap a teaching, then tap the theme it illustrates.

The Passion Narratives

The Passion Narratives recount the crucifixion, death and burial of Jesus (Matthew 27:27–61, Mark 15:21–47, Luke 23:26–56). A key A2 skill is the critical comparison of the three accounts — noting where they agree, differ and emphasise distinct theological meanings (for example, Luke's stress on forgiveness and innocence).

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The Resurrection Narratives

The Resurrection Narratives cover the empty tomb and the post-resurrection appearances (Mark 16:1–20, Matthew 28:1–20, Luke 24:1–53). Again candidates critically compare the accounts.

Contemporary critique: the specification asks whether the event is best understood as resuscitation or resurrection — a revival of a corpse, or a transformed, glorified life. This is a major evaluative question.

Concept and meaning

Match each key term to its correct description.

Synoptic theme: Religious Texts, Authority and Interpretation

The A2 synoptic assessment theme steps back to ask about the authority of religious texts:

• the clash between fundamentalist and liberal approaches to interpretation;
• the role of texts in understanding suffering and evil; and
• the role of leadership within faith communities and the continuing debate about it.

This theme is designed to connect with at least one other unit you study — that is what 'synoptic' means here.

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The big ideas to know

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