1. The Problem

The first three canonical gospels—those traditionally attributed to Matthew, Mark, and Luke—are referred to as the Synoptic gospels (from Gk. synoptikos = syn [with] + optikos [relating to sight]) in recognition of the marked similarities in the wording and sequence of their common material. Together these similarities, which extend to occasional verbatim agreement, suggest some sort of literary relationship. The challenge of dete…