What This Document Is
This document is a student exercise – titled “SALT Exercise on the Synoptic Problem” – designed for New Testament Orientation I (NBST 515) at Liberty University. It explores the complexities surrounding the relationships between the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, collectively known as the Synoptic Gospels due to their shared content and perspective. The exercise focuses on analyzing different scholarly hypotheses attempting to explain the similarities and differences between these texts.
Why This Document Matters
This exercise is crucial for students of New Testament studies seeking a deeper understanding of Gospel origins and interrelationships. It’s typically used in introductory courses to build a foundation for more advanced textual criticism and biblical interpretation. Understanding the Synoptic Problem is fundamental to interpreting the Gospels accurately and appreciating the nuances of each author’s presentation of Jesus’s life and teachings. It’s relevant when engaging with questions about authorship, dating, and the historical reliability of the Gospels.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This document is an *exercise* – it’s designed to prompt investigation and application of concepts, not to provide definitive answers. It doesn’t offer a comprehensive history of all Synoptic Problem theories, nor does it resolve the debate itself. Users will still need access to the course lectures, assigned readings, and potentially further research to fully grasp the topic. This preview does not provide a complete solution to the SALT exercise.
What This Document Provides
The full document includes: a summary of the Synoptic Problem and its core challenges; an application of the Farrer Hypothesis (prioritizing Mark); a discussion of Markian Priority; an overview of the Augustinian and Griesbach hypotheses; an introduction to the “Q” source and the Two-Source Hypothesis; and a mention of the Four-Document Hypothesis. It also includes a bibliography of sources referenced, including lectures by Dr. Robert Wayne Stacy and Walter Elwell’s *Encountering the New Testament*. This preview only provides a high-level overview of the document’s scope and purpose.