1
Introduction:
It is arguable to say that the Two-Source Theory is the most accurate method of solving
the Synoptic Problem. The Synoptic Problem dives into the writings of the New Testament and
teaches students, theologians, editors and scholars to engage with the script and consider the
perspectives, creditability and main author of the Gospels. Through the parallels displayed in the
Baptism of Jesus, the Anointing Woman, and Jesus ‘Arrest, it is appropriate to state that the
Two-Source Theory presents the most accurate solution as it considers the similarities and
differences between the four works: Mark, Q, Luke and Matthew.
The Synoptic Gospel includes Mark, Luke and Matthew. Based on the Two-Source
Theory, it is seen that both Matthew and Luke are independent from each other. Hence, saying
they do not rely on one another as a source. Both Matthew and Luke, however, depend on Mark
and Q as their main sources. This establishes a proposal that Mark was written first, and it more
likely that Luke and Matthew was written after utilizing the other 2 sources to complete their
work.
Q is not a part of the Synoptic Gospel but is a lost document that is referred to as “Quelle
meaning source in German (Goodacre, 2011, pg. 183).” The Q or “Quelle” included sayings of
Jesus and a few “infancy narratives, stories and powerful theories” regarding him as well
(Wright, 2019, pg. 689).” A diagram can be used to present the Two-Source Theory:
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The Baptism of Jesus, Mark 1:1–15 // Mathew 3:1–17 // Luke 3:1-23
In the chapter of Mark 1:1–15 (NIV), Matthews 3:1-17 (NIV), and Luke 3: 1-23 (NIV)
display the narrative of John the Baptist and Jesus. Diving into these texts further, it can be
depicted that certain verses overlap and share the same narrative. There is also no overlap with
Luke and Matthew, but an overlap where all three (Mark, Luke and Matthew) share the same
material. At each beginning of the 3 books, they all seem to overlap seen in the table below:
Mark 1:1–15 (NIV) Mathew 3:1–17 (NIV) Luke 3:1-23 (NIV)
“I will send my messenger A voice of one calling in the “A voice of one calling in
ahead of you, wilderness, the wilderness,
who will prepare your way ‘Prepare the way for the ‘Prepare the way for the
3
“a voice of one calling in Lord, Lord,
the wilderness, make straight paths for make straight paths for
‘Prepare the way for the him.’ him.
Lord,
make straight paths for
Introduction:
It is arguable to say that the Two-Source Theory is the most accurate method of solving
the Synoptic Problem. The Synoptic Problem dives into the writings of the New Testament and
teaches students, theologians, editors and scholars to engage with the script and consider the
perspectives, creditability and main author of the Gospels. Through the parallels displayed in the
Baptism of Jesus, the Anointing Woman, and Jesus ‘Arrest, it is appropriate to state that the
Two-Source Theory presents the most accurate solution as it considers the similarities and
differences between the four works: Mark, Q, Luke and Matthew.
The Synoptic Gospel includes Mark, Luke and Matthew. Based on the Two-Source
Theory, it is seen that both Matthew and Luke are independent from each other. Hence, saying
they do not rely on one another as a source. Both Matthew and Luke, however, depend on Mark
and Q as their main sources. This establishes a proposal that Mark was written first, and it more
likely that Luke and Matthew was written after utilizing the other 2 sources to complete their
work.
Q is not a part of the Synoptic Gospel but is a lost document that is referred to as “Quelle
meaning source in German (Goodacre, 2011, pg. 183).” The Q or “Quelle” included sayings of
Jesus and a few “infancy narratives, stories and powerful theories” regarding him as well
(Wright, 2019, pg. 689).” A diagram can be used to present the Two-Source Theory:
, 2
The Baptism of Jesus, Mark 1:1–15 // Mathew 3:1–17 // Luke 3:1-23
In the chapter of Mark 1:1–15 (NIV), Matthews 3:1-17 (NIV), and Luke 3: 1-23 (NIV)
display the narrative of John the Baptist and Jesus. Diving into these texts further, it can be
depicted that certain verses overlap and share the same narrative. There is also no overlap with
Luke and Matthew, but an overlap where all three (Mark, Luke and Matthew) share the same
material. At each beginning of the 3 books, they all seem to overlap seen in the table below:
Mark 1:1–15 (NIV) Mathew 3:1–17 (NIV) Luke 3:1-23 (NIV)
“I will send my messenger A voice of one calling in the “A voice of one calling in
ahead of you, wilderness, the wilderness,
who will prepare your way ‘Prepare the way for the ‘Prepare the way for the
3
“a voice of one calling in Lord, Lord,
the wilderness, make straight paths for make straight paths for
‘Prepare the way for the him.’ him.
Lord,
make straight paths for
