Bible Question: Why are Matthew, Mark, and Luke called the synoptic gospels? |
Bible Answer: The gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called the synoptic gospels because of their common structure, perspective and contents. In fact all the material of each can be set in parallel columns in such a way that all three records could be seen together or "synoptically". The similarity of these gospel may be seen in their general outline of Jesus' life and activity, details of style and language, and at times exact or nearly exact verbal statements of Jesus. The gospel of Matthew, Mark and Luke differ from the gospel of John. John has a certain quality that puts it in an altogether different category. John was the oldest of all the disciples and his book was written last. In writing his book last he had time to delve into the deeper truth concerning Jesus, the divine son of God. It was important that this deeper meaning be supplied to the world so God caused John to supply this particular key to understanding the gospel already told in the earlier gospels. Whereas the earlier gospels focused on the miracles of Jesus and the peoples reactions to them John focused on certain words and works of Jesus and omitted many incidents (including all parables) in Jesus life. John called the miracles signs and focused on their spiritual significance. He had one aim in mind, to show that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God, and by believing in this one could have eternal life. prayon |