An Examination of the Synoptic Problem

The striking similarities between Matthew, Mark and Luke are too numerous and too detailed to conclude that they were all written independently of one another. However, the differences are sometimes so significant that it can not be concluded that all three of these Gospels were based entirely on one common source. This literary problem is known as the Synoptic Problem and has been extensively researched and debated since the First World War. Church leaders and scholars have since attempted to present theories explaining these similarities and differences between the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. This research paper will explore several of these theories.