A Gospel synopsis is a comparison of parallel passages from the four canonical Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. This type of analysis arranges corresponding sections from each Gospel side by side to highlight similarities and differences in how they narrate events, teachings, and themes related to the life of Jesus. Here’s an overview of the main aspects of a Gospel synopsis:
Purpose:
Identify similarities: To show how the Gospels align in their presentation of events like Jesus’ baptism, miracles, and crucifixion.
Highlight differences: To bring out variations in perspective, style, and detail, such as how each Gospel presents the resurrection of Jesus.
Understand the Synoptic Problem: For the first three Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—many passages are so similar that they are called the “Synoptic Gospels.” A synopsis can help in studying why these Gospels share content and how they differ.
Overview of the Gospels:
1. Matthew: Often emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, written with a Jewish audience in mind. It contains many teachings of Jesus, like the Sermon on the Mount.
2. Mark: The shortest and likely earliest Gospel, it presents a fast-paced narrative of Jesus’ ministry, often focusing on His actions more than His teachings.
3. Luke: Known for its detailed account and concern for historical accuracy, Luke emphasizes Jesus’ compassion for the poor, outcasts, and women.
4. John: Distinct from the Synoptic Gospels, John focuses more on theological reflection, portraying Jesus as the eternal Word of God and emphasizing His divinity.
Common Sections in a Gospel Synopsis:
1. Jesus’ Baptism: Parallel accounts from Matthew 3, Mark 1, Luke 3, and John 1.
2. Temptation of Jesus: Found in Matthew 4, Mark 1, and Luke 4 (not in John).
3. Feeding of the 5,000: Appears in all four Gospels (Matthew 14, Mark 6, Luke 9, John 6).
4. The Crucifixion: All Gospels cover this event with unique details, making it a key section in Gospel comparisons.
5. Resurrection Accounts: All Gospels describe the resurrection, but with differing appearances of the risen Jesus and varied details about who discovered the empty tomb.
Theological Implications:
A synopsis not only serves as a textual comparison but also fosters deeper theological reflection, as each Gospel writer emphasizes different aspects of Jesus’ life and mission, providing a fuller picture of His identity and message when examined together.
List of Gospel Synopsis:
(1) Harmonia Evangelica – Joannes Clericus (Jean Le Clerc) – 1699
(2) Synopsis Evangeliorum Matthaei, Marci Et Lucae – Johann Jakob Grirsbach – 1776
(3) A Harmony Of The Gospels, With Notes – William Newcome – 1814
(4) Synopsis Evangeliorum Matthaei, Marci Et Lucae Cum Parallelis Ioannis Pericopic Ex Recensione Griesbachii – G. Mart. Leber De Wette & Frid. Lucke – 1818
(5) Quatuor Evangeliorum Tabulae Synopticae – Henricus Nicolaus Clausen – 1829
(6) Synopsis Evangeliorum Matthaei, Marci, Lucae – Rudolf Anger – 1852
(7) A Harmony Of The Four Gospels In Greek, According To The Text Of Tischendorf – Frederic Gardiner – 1871