The Synoptic Problem: An Introduction

by Robert H. Stein

Book Overview

The Synoptic Problem: An Introduction This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0801082722
• ISBN13: 9780801082726
• Release Date: January 1987
• Publisher: Baker Publishing Group (MI)
• Length: 292 Pages
• Weight: 1.36 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Synoptics - We Have A Problem

Goodacre sets out to guide readers through the maze of the Synoptic problem with a very succinct and well organized book that settles on the Farrer theory (Luke used Matthew). It is clear that he finds the Synoptic problem very interesting and invigorating. "The Synoptic Problem is probably the most fascinating literary enigma of all time." The back cover stresses that the book is readable, with a lively and refreshing style. It is, however, difficult to be "lively and refreshing" when discussing a topic as technical and tedious as this one. I found it adequately readable, not so much do to its style as to its organization and layout. The book is organized in an outline format with summary statements after each major point. These statements are extremely helpful in promoting comprehension of major and minor points. Goodacre's primary catalyst for writing is that for too long scholars and students have thought the problem to be too complex and something that ultimately leads to a dead end. Hence, it is often simply avoided. Goodacre admits that to get to the end, you must enter a "maze," and mazes are not easy (p. 9). As one who followed him through the maze, this writer found the journey straightforward, though not always easy. In framing the Synoptic problem as a journey through a maze, Goodacre adds needed zest to a problem that is for many, boring and irrelevant. While describing and exploring the Synoptic problem, Goodacre clearly defines every important concept so even the beginner can follow along. That the book can be read by a very broad audience, from advanced to beginner, is a major strength of the book. I also enjoyed the way Goodacre guides readers to discover the Synoptic problem for themselves in his use of charts, graphics, and color coding. Goodacre begins his solution by putting forth Markan priority. The belief that Mark was written first and used by Matthew and Luke is widespread and part of the Two-Source Theory (Mark and Q were the originals). Hence, in arguing for Markan Priority, Goodacre is not breaking any new ground or going against the tide of most scholars. The book could have been made more thorough had Goodacre discussed arguments against Mark Priority (i.e the Griesbach theory). Where Goodacre parts company with the majority of New Testament scholars is on the existence of the infamous Q. After convincingly laying out the case for Q, Goodacre does a very adequate job of presenting the case against Q. He does a great job of not only showing the weaknesses in the argument for Q, but in providing evidence that Luke used Matthew. For example, he shows that there are major agreements between Matthew and Luke against Mark, as in the Passion narrative where "no one can appeal to influence from Q" (p. 159). In the end, Goodacre states that "The ideal solution to the Synoptic Problem is one that is able to explain the origin and nature of all three Synoptics in the most plausible way." While his

Excellent Intro to the Synoptic Problem

Robert H. Stein has succeeded in providing an excellent introduction to the synoptic problem, which is the question of the literary interrelationships of the three gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Stein provides an excellent overview of the arguments that have favored the Two Source Hypothesis, according to which Matthew and Luke have independently used Mark as well as a second source termed Q. This book is required reading for anyone who is interested in the synoptic problem.

Very good, scholarly treatment of the Synoptics

The synoptic "problem" is that the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke have enormous similarity (in pericopes, word order, word choices, selection of material, phrases, and so on). Stein gives a good scholarly treatment using biblical criticism constructively, as a good Evangelical.Destructively, biblical criticism has been used to discredit the Bible or say that people couldn't agree, or that the writers themselves were confused, or that things didn't happen if they disagree.Stein offers a great alternative: maybe the authors chose to put together the material differently (if there are differences) to make different emphases. Stein notes that Matthew has a more chronological order (using the Greek word 'tote' [then]), whereas Luke uses 'kai' [and], possibly indicating the author's redaction to make a more logical argument.Stein also addresses issues of biblical criticism in general, dating of the material, how to make sense of quite a few passages and finding emphases.It's a good reference book for the pastor and the theological student (e.g., seminarian and educated lay-readers) who want to know a strongly scholarly evangelical response.