The similarities and differences among the first three gospels have given rise to much speculation:
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There are passages among the three that are identical or almost exact. (Consider Matthew 8:1-4, Mark 1:40-44 and Luke 5:12-14.). Theologians have concluded that the gospels are linked in some way; most believe that the author of one gospel copied passages from another. 3 |
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Many nearly identical passages are found in Matthew and Luke, but are absent from Mark. These total over 200 verses. Many Bible scholars believe that Matthew and Luke were unaware of each other's writing. Thus, they conclude that both based part of their gospel on another document, usually called the Gospel of Q. "Q" stands for the German word "Quelle" which means "source." An example is Matthew 10:26-33 and Luke 12:2-9 |
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Matthew and Luke also contain unique material not present in the other gospel. This apparently came from two different traditions, of which each author had access to only one. |
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Analysis of passages that are similar but not identical is called "redaction criticism." It can give insight into the order in which the Gospels were probably written, their date of composition, and the development of theological beliefs in the early Christian movements. |
Since the books themselves are undated, the order in which they were written is not absolutely clear. John McVay lists some theories: 1
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Oral Theory: The three gospels were written independently and all based on "structured and durable oral traditions" |
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Augustinian Theory: The three gospels were written in the order: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John; each author had access to the earlier gospels |
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Two Source Theory: Both Matthew and Luke based their gospels on Mark and the lost Gospel of Q. |
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Four Source Theory: Both Matthew and Luke based their gospels on Mark and the lost Gospel of Q. In addition, Matthew includes some material from a third source, often called "M". Luke similarly includes passages from another source, often called "L". Both L and M were probably oral traditions. |
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Two Gospel theory: Matthew was written first. Luke was written later and based on Matthew. Mark was written last, and based on Luke and Matthew. |
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Theory of Markan Priority without Q: Mark was written first. Matthew was written later and based on Mark. Luke was written last, and based on Mark and Matthew. |
The Augustinian Theory was accepted by the Christian church for most of its history. The Four Source Theory is supported by most mainline and liberal theologians today. One source estimates that over 90% of contemporary Gospel scholars accept this theory and the existence of the Gospel of Q.
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