Synoptic Gospels | Christian Library

The Gospels as Eyewitness Accounts

Are the four New Testament Gospels reliable accounts of Jesus? Are the Gospels accounts of real history? In this article, Richard Bauckham highlights the importance of the eyewitnesses described in the Gospels - those who were actually there at the events of Jesus' life. Bauckham asks the question: How are the Gospels related to the testimony of the eyewitnesses?

Profiting from the Parables

This article is an introduction to the Bible studies on the parables.

Finding Simon in the Gospels: Commentaries and Preaching

In this article the author shows that the four Gospels should be understood in the context of the gospel. The work of Jesus Christ is examined in the light of the work of God the Father, and it is shown how Jesus as the bearer of good news brings restoration.

Fulfillment of the Scriptures: Commentaries and Preaching

What is the gospel? In this article the author shows that the four Gospels should be understood in the context of the gospel. The work of Jesus Christ is looked at in relation to the fulfillment of prophecies, and it is shown how Jesus comes as the bearer of good news.

The Prodigal and the Cross

Should we expect the Lord Jesus to include a substitutionary atonement theory in every one of his parables? Not at all, contrary to what liberal theologians have suggested by their criticisms of the parable of the prodigal son. This article shows at the same time how the atonement is a series of historical events, and not simply that of the cross.

Glory Veiled and Unveiled – The King of Glory: The Mystery of the Parables

Chapter 2 introduces the function and purpose of Jesus’ parables. The author makes use of Matthew 13:10–17 to focus on the mystery aspect of the parables.

The Deity of Christ in the Synoptic Gospels

Jesus demonstrated his awareness of his deity throughout his ministry. Doriani indicates the importance of Jesus' implicit claims to deity in the synoptic gospels.

The Glory of Christ's Parables

Christ's teaching with parables reveals the status of the world, the kingdom of heaven, and our hearts. Let this article show you how.

Full Glory: No More Parables

This article is about the place of the parables in Jesus’ teaching of his disciples. The author also looks at John 16:25.

Why Are There Four Gospels?

This article looks at the similarities and differences in the four Gospels, and gives a way of explaining and viewing them, shedding light on what is called the synoptic problem.

The Canonicity of the Four Gospels

Why does our New Testament contain four Gospels? Why not more? Or fewer? There are other Gospels which did not become part of our New Testament. This article affirms the four Gospels' canonicity by discussing their unique characteristics.

Discovering Jesus – A Brief Overview of the Four Gospels

Chapter 1 gives a brief overview of the content of the four Gospels.

Recent Perspectives on the Reliability of the Gospels

Are the Gospel accounts reliable? Do they record historical events? This article looks at nine perspectives on the reliability of the Gospels.

The Storytelling God – Postcards from the Revolution

Chapter 1 introduces the nature, function, and purpose of the parables of Christ. The main theme of these parables is the kingdom of heaven that came near in him.

Why Four Gospels?

This article explains that the four Gospels together offer a comprehensive view of the person and work of the Lord Jesus.

Why the Gospels Are the Centre of the Bible (and Your Life)

This article considers the beauty, power, and wonder that the four Gospels give to the church.

An Early Recension of the Gospel Traditions?

Was the period of transmission of the words and deeds of Jesus exclusively an oral tradition? Stein argues that it was not.

Interpreting the Gospels: The Landscape and the Quest

How are the Gospels best interpreted? Reflecting on this question, Hagner notes that the Gospels are historical writings, they span three time frames, and the authors each gave their own shape to the tradition.

Q – Some Lessons from a Theological Controversy

This article is about source criticism and the synoptic gospels. Is there a Q-source? Is there a synoptical problem? This article looks at the nature of critical New Testament scholarship today.

O Judas! What Have You Done?

Was Judas a friend or enemy of Jesus? The article evaluates recent research in this regard to understand who Judas was. The work of W. Klassen in particular is considered.

Breadmaking with Jesus

What do we know about the Pharisees and the Sadducees? Newman wants to characterize these two groups and gather information from Josephus and rabbinic literature. However, to understand what Jesus meant when he said, “Beware the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees,” Newman argues that the New Testament must be the primary source. He uses the biblical text as an exhortation to the contemporary church.

The Gospels: Portraits of Jesus and His Ministry

What is the nature and character of the Gospels? This article wants to describe the shift in the view of the Gospels over the last thirty years. Are the Gospels snapshots, abstract paintings, or portraits of the life of Jesus?

An Investigation of the Agreements between Matthew and Luke against Mark

This article attempts to demonstrate that the agreements between the Gospels of Matthew and Luke against Mark are widespread. This is discussed as a contribution to the synoptic problem.

The Authenticity of Apostolic Eyewitness in the New Testament

The canonicity of the Gospels was an issue that arose in the period from the second to third century. In this time the church was determining the authority of these Gospels. In this article Richard Bauckham looks briefly at the way in which apostolic eyewitness functioned as a criterion of authenticity.