The Synoptic Gospels Are Written
Matthew, Mark, and Luke recorded complementary accounts of Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection from apostolic and eyewitness testimony.
Full Account
The first three Gospels share much material and a broadly similar outline, yet each has its own emphasis and audience. Early Christian testimony connects Matthew with the apostle, Mark with Peter's preaching, and Luke with Paul's coworker who investigated eyewitness sources.
Literary relationships among the Gospels are real, but no proposed source theory explains every feature with certainty. Their agreements reflect shared events, teaching, sources, and perhaps literary dependence; their differences preserve distinct selection, arrangement, and perspective.
Historical Significance
The Synoptic Gospels provided churches with stable written testimony to Jesus while eyewitness memory was still connected to the apostolic generation.
People, Places and Sources
- Key people: Matthew; Mark; Luke; Peter; the apostles and eyewitnesses
- Key places: Judea; Galilee; Jerusalem; early Christian centers
- Languages: Greek
- Scripture:
Matthew 1:1
Mark 1:1
Luke 1:1-4
Luke 24:44-49