'What Does The Term Synoptic Problem' Refer?

What are the Synoptic Gospels and to what does the term “Synoptic Problem” refer? Are there really any problems with the Synoptic Gospels? Do the differences found in the Synoptic Gospels present a threat to their validity for understanding the ministry and teachings of Jesus Christ or the historical events concerning his life and resurrection?

According to the Rethinking the Synoptic Problem text book the Synoptic Gospels refers to the first three books of the Bible; Mathew, Mark, and Luke and how they are similar in wording, but often with independency of Jesus stories. In the same way, the Synoptic Problem refers to “the question of the written sources of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and the literary interrelationship of these three Gospels.”1

These challenges, though they were eventually overcome by some great theologians, did presents a considerable problem during this generation. However, to acknowledge that God is the only one who can really give us a perfect answer is a big step to move forward to discussions that matters most such as the Salvation of souls. Besides, the point of the story is that he is the one who choose not to give us a perfect answer; at least not yet. In fact, nobody has a perfect solution to the Synoptic Problem, yet there are several factors that we need to worry more that hinders and complicates in order to move forward; to which is answer by a simple question: are you willing to humble yourself before the Lord to not compromise the word of God, and believe his independency. One can only answer that question; ultimately one has to respond to God, because the answer is not only going to determine how joyful you are in Christ, even more, is going to determine how effective your faith is with

The second term Literary Independence is defined as having “no literary relationship between the four Gospels.”3 It originated from the early Synoptic Problem from the Augustinian theory. Next, “the view that Mark wrote first and was used by the other two synoptic writers is called Markan priority.”4 This view was originated by Streeter. Matthean Priority puts “Matthew being the first Gospel, with Luke using him as a source and Mark using both,”5 and originated by Dugan. Finally, the Two Gospel Hypothesis views Matthew as the source for Luke and Mark, the Luke depends from Matthew and is the source for Mark, and lastly that Mark depends on Mathew and Luke. This is a redefined view from