The Synoptic Problem: An Introduction

Rating:
Summary: Wrong Problem
Review: Is there anything more futile then the synoptic problem? A professor of New Testament at a Theological Seminary should certainly realize that the problem is not a literary one. Let me explain. The synoptic problem, as defined by the book, is why luke, mark, and matthew look so much alike. Many possible solutions exist but none have been proven. My concern is what will be gained if this problem is solved? Maybe we could better ascertain the theological preferences of the evangelists but then we will have a bigger problem harmonizing those idiosyncracies then we do now. Beyond that, there is no advantage. For what it is the book does introduce and explain the theories and such, but don't devote your life too it. Too many great minds do alrighty.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Intro to the Synoptic Problem
Review: Robert H. Stein has succeeded in providing an excellent introduction to the synoptic problem, which is the question of the literary interrelationships of the three gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Stein provides an excellent overview of the arguments that have favored the Two Source Hypothesis, according to which Matthew and Luke have independently used Mark as well as a second source termed Q. This book is required reading for anyone who is interested in the synoptic problem.

Rating:
Summary: Very good, scholarly treatment of the Synoptics
Review: The synoptic "problem" is that the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke have enormous similarity (in pericopes, word order, word choices, selection of material, phrases, and so on). Stein gives a good scholarly treatment using biblical criticism constructively, as a good Evangelical.

Destructively, biblical criticism has been used to discredit the Bible or say that people couldn't agree, or that the writers themselves were confused, or that things didn't happen if they disagree.

Stein offers a great alternative: maybe the authors chose to put together the material differently (if there are differences) to make different emphases. Stein notes that Matthew has a more chronological order (using the Greek word 'tote' [then]), whereas Luke uses 'kai' [and], possibly indicating the author's redaction to make a more logical argument.

Stein also addresses issues of biblical criticism in general, dating of the material, how to make sense of quite a few passages and finding emphases.

It's a good reference book for the pastor and the theological student (e.g., seminarian and educated lay-readers) who want to know a strongly scholarly evangelical response.

Rating:
Summary: Very good, scholarly treatment of the Synoptics
Review: The synoptic "problem" is that the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke have enormous similarity (in pericopes, word order, word choices, selection of material, phrases, and so on). Stein gives a good scholarly treatment using biblical criticism constructively, as a good Evangelical.

Destructively, biblical criticism has been used to discredit the Bible or say that people couldn't agree, or that the writers themselves were confused, or that things didn't happen if they disagree.

Stein offers a great alternative: maybe the authors chose to put together the material differently (if there are differences) to make different emphases. Stein notes that Matthew has a more chronological order (using the Greek word 'tote' [then]), whereas Luke uses 'kai' [and], possibly indicating the author's redaction to make a more logical argument.

Stein also addresses issues of biblical criticism in general, dating of the material, how to make sense of quite a few passages and finding emphases.

It's a good reference book for the pastor and the theological student (e.g., seminarian and educated lay-readers) who want to know a strongly scholarly evangelical response.