The Synoptic Problem

The Synoptic Problem refers to the challenge of understanding how the first three Gospels of the New Testament—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—are related. These Gospels share many similar stories and wording but also have unique content. Scholars ask: did they copy from each other, share common sources, or combine different traditions? This puzzle helps researchers figure out the sources and relationships among these texts, shedding light on how early Christian writers composed their accounts of Jesus’ life.