Definition

Noun: - The Synoptic Gospels: A collective term for the first three books of the New Testament—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—which present a common narrative of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, sharing a similar structure, content, and point of view, allowing them to be viewed together in parallel.

Usage

The term is used as a proper noun to refer specifically to this group of three biblical texts. - Scholars often study the Synoptic Gospels to analyze their literary relationships. - The parable appears in all three Synoptic Gospels.

Advanced Usage

• The Synoptic Problem: This is a key term in biblical scholarship referring to the question of the literary relationship between Matthew, Mark, and Luke—specifically, which Gospel was written first and how the others used it as a source.
  • Her thesis focuses on potential solutions to the Synoptic Problem.

Variants and Related Words

• Synoptic (adjective): Of or relating to the Synoptic Gospels; or, presenting a summary or general view of a whole.
  • A synoptic analysis of the three texts reveals many parallels.
• Synopsis (noun): A brief summary or general survey.
  • The introduction provides a helpful synopsis of the argument.

Synonyms

• The First Three Gospels: A more descriptive, less technical synonym.
• Matthew, Mark, and Luke: The specific names of the texts.

Related Phrases

• Gospel Parallels: A reference book or method that places corresponding passages from the Synoptic Gospels side-by-side for comparison.
  • The class used a Gospel Parallels text for their comparative study.

Noun

1. the first three Gospels which describe events in Christ's life from a similar point of view