Studying the Synoptic Gospels: Origin and Interpretation

[Full Review]

This book is a revision of a long-standing benchmark in studies of the Synoptic problem,previously published in 1989 as The Synoptic Problem. On the whole, the new revisionfollows the original work very closely; there is little new or groundbreaking in thisedition. That being said, however, it still remains a very accessible approach to studyingthe Synoptic problem, especially for the beginning student. Both the first edition andcurrent edition are aimed at the student just beginning serious examination of theSynoptic problem. As such, the book is well positioned for its intended audience. As withthe first edition, however, Stein does not present exhaustive arguments on any of theissues for scholars.The primary focus of the book is found in part 1, where Stein makes a case for thedominant two-source hypothesis for understanding the relationship between the Gospels.He begins by demonstrating the literary independence of the Synoptic Gospels (ch. 1),then argues for the priority of Mark (ch. 2) and the existence of Q (ch. 3). Finally, Steinattempts to rebut challenges to the two-source hypothesis by dealing with Matthew-Lukeagreements against Mark (ch. 4) and contrasting the two-source hypothesis against theGriesbach hypothesis (ch. 5), concluding with a short chapter arguing for the value ofsource criticism (ch. 7). [Full Review]