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Rating: 
Summary: The Gospels Compared
Review: Gospel Parallels is a serious work indexing and comparing the first three New Testament books (Matthew, Mark and Luke) so that those interested in the study of the Gospels can see exactly the similarities and discrepancies in the stories. But the book is more than that. Given the increasing interest in recent years in the non-canonical works, Greek and other manuscripts that are not easily found in the local library are cited as a way of further illuminating the path toward further understanding of early Christian writing and thinking. This is not a book that offers a lot of commentary. In fact, it offers virtually none. It simply lines up in a table such offerings as Accusations Against Jesus and then gives us Matthew (12:22-24) against Mark (3:19-22) and Luke (11:14-16). One benefit of this style is that we're able to quickly see the differences in accounts. Those wanting an explication of the significance in choice of language or details included or excluded will have to look elsewhere for enlightenment. That makes this very thorough book a study aid accompanying other works that might provide more understanding; it is not a freestanding help to those curious about why accounts of Jesus' life or teaching vary so radically. I used the fourth edition of this book in a New Testament course years ago and had forgotten its seeming limitations. But for those interested in serious exploration and in need of help tracking down New Testament and other texts, this book is invaluable. It offers us a decent who's who of church fathers, and a short but terrific explanation of the different versions of texts in the Bible, which helps account for differing interpretations and changes in language. The fourth edition is in conformity with the Revised Standard Version of the Bible. For those wondering, the Gospel of John is not included in this book because of the extensive differences in content between it and the three synoptic gospels covered by this book. Among them: John doesn't include a lot of the material about the temptation of Christ, his transfiguration and the Lord's supper, the Sermon on the Mount. John offers virtually nothing in the way of narrative parables. John's account of Jesus' ministry is also at odds with the three synoptics. The many differences make a side-by-side comparison just about impossible, though certainly extensive scholarship exists on this topic. What this book will do is shed light on the ways in which some of the same events and thoughts are reported. You'll see quickly which author appears to exaggerate or at least report events in their most extreme, and which basic themes, such as concern for the downtrodden, draws the most attention in each gospel. I'd recommend this to anyone studying the New Testament and in need of a quick guide to where to find a specific verse or theme.
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Summary: A Gospel Harmony that includes John is better.
Review: Gospels Parallels takes you chronologically through the life of Jesus as found in the synoptic gospels-Matthew, Mark & Luke. It uses the New Revised Standard Version which is favored by scholars for its accuracy. Unfortunately it does not include the Gospel of John. For this reason you may prefer one that does such as A Harmony of the Gospels by Thomas and Gundry (uses New American Standard Version). If you like these books you may also enjoy THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE BOOK OF PROVERBS by Cody Jones. It combines 6 translations in parallel on the book of Proverbs with an in-depth commentary. The comments are interesting and very readable and put King Solomon's wise sayings into their historical setting.
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Summary: It puts a different "look" on Matthew, Mark, and Luke
Review: I never before saw the books this way. Where there is no parallel text the adjoining gospel is left blank. It makes word for word comparison easy. It is extremely easy to read and has references [including the variations of the text] to various other religious/biblical text containing the same or similar text. It also breaks it down into what particular manuscript contains what and allows you to look at the differences within the various early manuscript of the Bible. John has very few parallels in common and is referenced where needed. In fact the differences in John are even more striking after having read this book.
Rating:
Summary: Let The Reader Decide
Review: In *Gospel Parallels*, Burton Throckmorton lays out the "synoptic gospels" side by side and lets the gospels speak for themselves. I think that any objective reader can easily see the differences between the gospels and gain insight into their development over time. Of particular note is how "Matthew" embellishes what "Mark" wrote. For example, if Mark says that one demoniac was healed (5:1-20), Matthew says that two were healed (8:28-34). Mark says that after Jesus cursed the fig tree, the disciples noticed the NEXT MORNING that it was withered (11:12-19); Matthew says that the tree withered "at once" (21:18-22). Only Matthew has an earthquake occur at Jesus' resurrection; has dead "saints" arise at Jesus' crucifixion and appear to others after the resurrection. The layout of the book also allows for easier identification of the "Q" material, the hypothetical source from which Matthew and Luke derived information not found in Mark. This book makes a good companion for Bishop Spong's books such as *Resurrection: Myth or Reality* and *Why Christianity Must Change or Die*, both of which detail the progression of development in the gospels. I also recommend Andrew D. Benson's *The Origins of Christianity and the Bible*.
Rating:
Summary: Let The Reader Decide
Review: In *Gospel Parallels*, Burton Throckmorton lays out the "synoptic gospels" side by side and lets the gospels speak for themselves. I think that any objective reader can easily see the differences between the gospels and gain insight into their development over time. Of particular note is how "Matthew" embellishes what "Mark" wrote. For example, if Mark says that one demoniac was healed (5:1-20), Matthew says that two were healed (8:28-34). Mark says that after Jesus cursed the fig tree, the disciples noticed the NEXT MORNING that it was withered (11:12-19); Matthew says that the tree withered "at once" (21:18-22). Only Matthew has an earthquake occur at Jesus' resurrection; has dead "saints" arise at Jesus' crucifixion and appear to others after the resurrection. The layout of the book also allows for easier identification of the "Q" material, the hypothetical source from which Matthew and Luke derived information not found in Mark. This book makes a good companion for Bishop Spong's books such as *Resurrection: Myth or Reality* and *Why Christianity Must Change or Die*, both of which detail the progression of development in the gospels. I also recommend Andrew D. Benson's *The Origins of Christianity and the Bible*.
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Summary: high on my list of essential references
Review: One of the best recommended methods for studying the synoptic gospels is to underline a parallel version or harmony using different colors to show where the text is parallel word for word, partially, not at all, or where there is material that is unique just to that gospel. I used an earlier edition of "The Gospel Parallels" in a college class about 19 years ago. The fact that it is still a popular choice for serious study of the gospels is a testimony to its great usefulness and enduring scholarship. This latest edition includes references to other canonical writings that are not as accessible to all students, which makes it even more valuable. The footnotes have been enhanced, and all material that appears "out of order" is printed in italics which is yet another outstanding tool. When I began to rebuild my personal library after having sold or given away most of my books when I had moved, "The Gospel Parallels" was very high on my list of essential references. Highly recommended.
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Summary: It's as good as you make it
Review: This is a tool, and as every tool it will be only as good as the user. the best part is the Index, which allows the reader to have the wider spectrum all at once.
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