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Synoptic Gospels Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The Synoptic Gospels and the Synoptic Problem

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The Synoptic Gospels and the Synoptic Problem Study Guide

Introduction to the Synoptic Gospels

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and John are collectively known as the Synoptic Gospels.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source identifies Matthew, Mark, and Luke as the Synoptic Gospels, distinguishing them from John.

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The Gospel of John exhibits substantial parallels in content, sequence, and wording with the Synoptic Gospels.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Gospel of John is largely distinct in its content, sequence, and wording when compared to the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke).

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Scholarly consensus posits that the similarities among the Synoptic Gospels stem primarily from literary interdependence, rather than independent, parallel development.

Answer: True

Explanation: The prevailing scholarly view attributes the similarities among the Synoptic Gospels to literary interdependence, such as one Gospel utilizing another as a source or drawing from common written materials.

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In comparison to Matthew and Luke, the Gospel of Mark is generally characterized by a relative scarcity of unique material and explanatory elaborations.

Answer: True

Explanation: While Mark contains much of the triple tradition, it is generally considered to have less unique material compared to Matthew and Luke, often serving as a foundational source.

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The Synoptic Gospels and the Gospel of John share common features, including being written in Koine Greek and recounting key events from Jesus' life.

Answer: True

Explanation: Both the Synoptic Gospels and the Gospel of John are considered ancient biographies that recount the life, teachings, and events of Jesus' ministry.

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The 'Great Omission' refers to a significant section of Mark's Gospel that is absent from Luke's Gospel.

Answer: True

Explanation: The term 'Great Omission' designates a specific portion of Mark's Gospel (chapters 6:45–8:26) that is not found in the Gospel of Luke.

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In his prologue, Luke asserts that he composed his Gospel based on careful investigation and eyewitness testimony.

Answer: True

Explanation: Luke's introductory verses indicate that his Gospel was meticulously researched, drawing upon eyewitness accounts and information passed down from early witnesses to the events.

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Which Gospels are known as the Synoptic Gospels?

Answer: Matthew, Mark, and Luke

Explanation: The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are referred to as the Synoptic Gospels due to their significant similarities in content, sequence, and wording.

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What does the term 'synoptic' mean in relation to the Gospels?

Answer: Providing a similar perspective or view when seen together

Explanation: The term 'synoptic,' derived from Greek, signifies 'seeing together,' reflecting the shared perspective and overlapping content found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

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According to the source, what is the primary reason for the similarities among the Synoptic Gospels?

Answer: Literary interdependence, such as one gospel using another as a source.

Explanation: Scholars primarily attribute the significant similarities in content, sequence, and wording among the Synoptic Gospels to literary interdependence, suggesting mutual influence or shared sources.

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How is the Gospel of Mark generally characterized in relation to the triple tradition?

Answer: It includes much of the triple tradition but adds relatively little unique content.

Explanation: The Gospel of Mark is often characterized as containing a substantial portion of the triple tradition while contributing comparatively less unique material than Matthew or Luke.

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What common feature do the Synoptic Gospels share with the Gospel of John, according to the text?

Answer: Belonging to the ancient genre of biography and recounting Jesus' life.

Explanation: Both the Synoptic Gospels and the Gospel of John are considered ancient biographies that recount the life, teachings, and events of Jesus' ministry.

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The 'Great Omission' refers to a significant portion of which Gospel that is absent in Luke?

Answer: Mark

Explanation: The 'Great Omission' refers to a substantial section of the Gospel of Mark that is notably absent from the Gospel of Luke.

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In his prologue, what did Luke state was his method for writing his Gospel?

Answer: He conducted careful investigations based on eyewitness accounts.

Explanation: Luke's prologue indicates that he undertook a thorough investigation, relying on eyewitness accounts and oral traditions to compose an orderly account of Jesus' life.

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The 'Messianic Secret' is a concept often discussed in relation to which Gospel?

Answer: Mark

Explanation: The concept of the 'Messianic Secret,' referring to Jesus' instructions to conceal his identity or miracles, is a prominent theme frequently discussed in scholarship concerning the Gospel of Mark.

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The Synoptic Problem and Key Concepts

The 'synoptic problem' primarily addresses the literary relationship and sources utilized by the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, rather than solely their unique theological perspectives.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'synoptic problem' is fundamentally an inquiry into the literary connections and sources shared among Matthew, Mark, and Luke, not primarily their distinct theological viewpoints.

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The hypothetical 'Q source' is posited by scholars to contain material common to the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, but not found in the Gospel of Mark.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Q source' is theorized to be a collection of sayings and possibly narrative material shared by Matthew and Luke, but absent from Mark.

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The 'triple tradition' refers to material that is found in all three Synoptic Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'triple tradition' denotes the body of material—narratives and teachings—that appears in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

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The 'double tradition' refers to material found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, but not in the Gospel of Mark.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'double tradition' specifically designates the material shared between Matthew and Luke that is absent from Mark's Gospel.

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Material in the double tradition typically shows more variability in arrangement across Matthew and Luke than material in the triple tradition.

Answer: True

Explanation: Conversely to the triple tradition's generally sequential arrangement, material in the double tradition (shared by Matthew and Luke) often exhibits greater variability in its ordering between the two Gospels.

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'Special Matthew' (M) and 'Special Luke' (L) refer to material found exclusively in Matthew's and Luke's Gospels, respectively.

Answer: True

Explanation: The terms 'Special Matthew' (M) and 'Special Luke' (L) denote the unique literary material found only within Matthew's Gospel or Luke's Gospel, respectively.

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The healing of a leper is cited as an example of the triple tradition, not the double tradition, due to its presence and similar wording across Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

Answer: True

Explanation: The account of the healing of a leper is typically considered an example of the triple tradition, as it appears with significant verbal parallels in Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

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'Major and minor agreements' refer to instances where Matthew and Luke agree with each other, sometimes against Mark, within the triple tradition.

Answer: True

Explanation: The terms 'major and minor agreements' describe instances where Matthew and Luke exhibit textual similarities or agreements, particularly when they diverge from or align against the text of Mark within shared material.

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The 'synoptic problem' primarily seeks to understand:

Answer: The literary relationship and sources used by Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

Explanation: The 'synoptic problem' is the scholarly endeavor to ascertain the literary connections and the sources employed by the authors of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

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The hypothetical 'Q source' is believed to be a source for which type of material common to Matthew and Luke?

Answer: Sayings of Jesus and some narrative material

Explanation: The hypothetical 'Q source' is theorized to contain sayings of Jesus and certain narrative elements that are shared by the Gospels of Matthew and Luke but are absent from the Gospel of Mark.

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Material found in all three Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) and typically in the same sequence is known as the:

Answer: Triple tradition

Explanation: Material that appears in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, generally presented in a consistent order, is designated as the 'triple tradition'.

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How does the arrangement of material typically differ between the triple and double traditions?

Answer: Triple tradition material is generally sequential; double tradition material is more variable.

Explanation: The triple tradition typically exhibits a consistent sequential arrangement across the Synoptic Gospels, whereas the double tradition material shows greater variability in its ordering between Matthew and Luke.

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What do 'Special Matthew' (M) and 'Special Luke' (L) represent?

Answer: Material found only in Matthew and Luke respectively.

Explanation: 'Special Matthew' (M) and 'Special Luke' (L) are terms designating the unique literary content found exclusively within the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, respectively. This includes distinct narratives, teachings, and events.

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What does the term 'major and minor agreements' refer to in synoptic studies?

Answer: Instances where Matthew and Luke agree against Mark.

Explanation: In synoptic studies, 'major and minor agreements' denote instances where Matthew and Luke exhibit textual similarities or agreements, particularly when they diverge from or align against the text of Mark.

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Major Synoptic Hypotheses

The prevailing scholarly view, known as Marcan priority, posits that the Gospel of Mark was the earliest written Gospel.

Answer: True

Explanation: Marcan priority, the dominant scholarly hypothesis, asserts that the Gospel of Mark was written first, serving as a source for Matthew and Luke.

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The Two-Source Theory, proposed by Christian Hermann Weisse, suggests Matthew and Luke used Mark and the hypothetical Q source as primary sources.

Answer: True

Explanation: Christian Hermann Weisse's Two-Source Theory posits that Matthew and Luke independently drew from the Gospel of Mark and the hypothetical Q document.

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Burnett Hillman Streeter's Four-Document Hypothesis expanded upon the Two-Source Theory by positing the existence of hypothetical sources 'M' and 'L'.

Answer: True

Explanation: Burnett Hillman Streeter's influential Four-Document Hypothesis integrated the concepts of Mark and Q from the Two-Source Theory with the additional hypothetical sources 'M' (material unique to Matthew) and 'L' (material unique to Luke).

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Christian Hermann Weisse is credited with proposing which significant theory about the Synoptic Gospels?

Answer: The Two-Source Theory

Explanation: Christian Hermann Weisse is recognized for proposing the Two-Source Theory, which posits that Matthew and Luke utilized Mark and Q as their primary sources.

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Burnett Hillman Streeter's Four-Document Hypothesis expanded upon the Two-Source Theory by adding which elements?

Answer: Hypothetical sources 'M' (Special Matthew) and 'L' (Special Luke)

Explanation: Burnett Hillman Streeter's Four-Document Hypothesis extended the Two-Source Theory by including the hypothetical sources 'M' (material unique to Matthew) and 'L' (material unique to Luke).

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Which of the following is a hypothetical source proposed in the Four-Document Hypothesis?

Answer: The 'L' source (Special Luke)

Explanation: Burnett Hillman Streeter's Four-Document Hypothesis includes the hypothetical sources Mark, Q, 'M' (Special Matthew), and 'L' (Special Luke).

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Alternative and Historical Synoptic Hypotheses

Ancient sources, such as Clement of Alexandria and Augustine of Hippo, generally agreed that Mark was the first Gospel written.

Answer: False

Explanation: Ancient sources offered varying views on Gospel priority. For instance, Clement of Alexandria suggested Matthew, Luke, then Mark, while Augustine of Hippo proposed Matthew, Mark, then Luke, contradicting the idea that they universally agreed Mark was written first.

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Johann Jakob Griesbach's synopsis led him to hypothesize Marcan posteriority, suggesting Mark was written later than Matthew and Luke.

Answer: True

Explanation: Johann Jakob Griesbach, through his comparative synopsis of the Gospels, advanced the hypothesis of Marcan posteriority, proposing that Mark was composed after Matthew and Luke.

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The Farrer hypothesis proposes that Mark was written first, and that Matthew and Luke used Mark directly, thereby potentially eliminating the need for the Q source.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Farrer hypothesis advocates for Marcan priority and suggests that Matthew and Luke drew directly from Mark, proposing a solution that does not require the existence of the Q source.

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The Augustinian hypothesis suggests that Matthew was written first, followed by Mark, and then Luke.

Answer: True

Explanation: Augustine of Hippo's hypothesis proposed a sequential composition of Matthew, followed by Mark, and then Luke, with each Gospel building upon the preceding ones.

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The Independence hypothesis argues that the Synoptic Gospels were composed independently of one another, without direct literary dependence.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Independence hypothesis posits that Matthew, Mark, and Luke were each original compositions, drawing primarily from oral traditions rather than exhibiting direct literary dependence on one another.

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The 'Griesbach proposal' (or two-gospel hypothesis) suggests that Matthew and Luke were written first, and Mark was compiled from them.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Griesbach proposal, also known as the two-gospel hypothesis, posits that Matthew and Luke were composed prior to Mark, with Mark being a later compilation derived from these two Gospels.

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The Augustinian hypothesis, proposed by Augustine of Hippo, suggested the Gospels were written in which order?

Answer: Matthew, Mark, Luke

Explanation: Augustine of Hippo's hypothesis proposed a sequential composition of Matthew, followed by Mark, and then Luke, with each Gospel building upon the preceding ones.

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Which hypothesis suggests that Mark was written first, and Luke used Matthew's Gospel, thereby eliminating the need for Q?

Answer: The Farrer Hypothesis

Explanation: The Farrer hypothesis advocates for Marcan priority and suggests that Luke used Matthew's Gospel, thus potentially obviating the need for the Q source.

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The 'Griesbach proposal' or two-gospel hypothesis suggests which relationship between the Synoptic Gospels?

Answer: Matthew and Luke were written first, and Mark was compiled from them.

Explanation: The Griesbach proposal, also known as the two-gospel hypothesis, posits that Matthew and Luke were composed prior to Mark, with Mark being a later compilation derived from these two Gospels.

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The 'Independence hypothesis' concerning the Synoptic Gospels argues that:

Answer: Each Synoptic Gospel is an independent composition based on oral traditions.

Explanation: The Independence hypothesis posits that the Synoptic Gospels were composed independently, drawing primarily from oral traditions rather than exhibiting direct literary dependence on one another.

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Scholarly Debate and Methodologies

Key scholarly controversies surrounding the synoptic problem include the existence and nature of the Q source, the influence of oral traditions, and the impact of translation processes.

Answer: True

Explanation: The study of the Synoptic Problem involves significant debate concerning the hypothetical Q source, the extent and function of oral traditions, and the challenges posed by translation from Aramaic to Greek.

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Criticisms against the Q source include the absence of any direct manuscript evidence for its existence.

Answer: True

Explanation: A primary criticism leveled against the Q source is the lack of any extant manuscript evidence; it remains a hypothetical construct inferred from the texts of Matthew and Luke.

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Scholars such as E.P. Sanders and Joseph Fitzmyer have suggested that the Synoptic Problem is highly complex and potentially insoluble.

Answer: True

Explanation: Prominent scholars like E.P. Sanders and Joseph Fitzmyer have expressed skepticism regarding a definitive solution to the Synoptic Problem, characterizing it as exceedingly complex or practically insoluble.

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Statistical methods applied to the Synoptic Gospels have yielded quantitative data but have not produced a universally accepted solution to the Synoptic Problem.

Answer: True

Explanation: While statistical analyses have offered quantitative insights into the relationships between the Synoptic Gospels, they have not resulted in a consensus or universally accepted resolution of the Synoptic Problem.

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Textual criticism is relevant to the Synoptic Problem because variations in ancient manuscripts can influence the analysis of Gospel relationships.

Answer: True

Explanation: Textual criticism, which examines variations in ancient manuscripts, is crucial for the Synoptic Problem as it helps establish the most probable original wording, thereby impacting the analysis of agreements and disagreements between the Gospels.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a key controversy surrounding the synoptic problem?

Answer: The influence of the Gospel of John on Mark.

Explanation: While the priority of composition, the nature of the Q source, and the role of oral traditions are central controversies, the direct influence of the Gospel of John on Mark is not typically listed as a primary point of contention within the synoptic problem itself.

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Scholars Joseph Fitzmyer and E.P. Sanders expressed what view regarding the Synoptic Problem?

Answer: They viewed the problem as complex and potentially insoluble.

Explanation: Scholars like Joseph Fitzmyer and E.P. Sanders have indicated that the Synoptic Problem is exceptionally complex and may not admit a definitive or universally accepted solution.

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What is the primary function of 'textual criticism' in relation to the Synoptic Problem?

Answer: To analyze variations in ancient manuscripts to determine original wording.

Explanation: Textual criticism's primary function in synoptic studies is to examine variations in ancient manuscripts to ascertain the most authentic wording of the Gospel texts, which is foundational for analyzing their relationships.

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What is the significance of the term 'Aramaisms' in relation to Mark's Gospel?

Answer: They may point to Mark's source material or proximity to Jesus' original language.

Explanation: The presence of 'Aramaisms' (words or phrases from Aramaic) in Mark's Gospel is significant as it may suggest connections to Aramaic source material or indicate a closer proximity to the language spoken by Jesus.

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