Studying the Synoptic Gospels: Origin and Interpretation

Rating:
Summary: Packed with useful information
Review: Dr. Stein has provided an excellent source for the study of the synoptic gospels. He writes in an easy-to-understand manner while still providing a great amount of detail. There are several useful charts and diagrams, and the parallel synoptic passages are written in neat, vertical columns for easy cross referencing.

The first section of this book discusses the literary relationship of the synoptic gospels. After establishing the clear literary dependence between the synoptics, Stein provides a very compelling argument for the priority of Mark and its subsequent utilization as a source for Matthew's and Luke's gospels. Those unfamiliar with Markan priority will learn a great deal from this section. The existence of Q as a written work is the next topic tackled. Objections to Markan priority and the existence of Q are handled well.

The second section covers form criticism and the oral transmission of the gospel materials prior to their use in written form. This area will again be very informative to those new to the topic. In the final section, Dr. Stein discusses redaction criticism and its applicability to hermeneutics. Stein comes from a conservative theological background, so I'm sure some conservative readers may be questioning whether or not critical scholarship is of any use. Clearly the author believes that it is, and I would agree. As for the issue of biblical authority, Stein believes that although Matthew and Luke used Mark as a source, and also that they altered their source in some cases, Matthew and Luke provide an inspired interpretation of Mark in those parallel passages where one writer differs from another.

This is an excellent resource for anyone interested in studying the relationship between the synoptic gospels. I know I'll be referring to it for a long time.