Sources of the Synoptic Gospels

A scholarly thesis surveys recent research on the Synoptic Problem and advances an original analysis that divides the hypothetical common source Q into two recensions reflected in Matthew and Luke. It systematically compares Matthew, Mark, and Luke for literary dependence, order, omissions, and editorial changes; evaluates whether Mark survives in an original form; considers the possibility of a common document shared by Matthew and Luke; and tabulates material in the double tradition. The second part reconstructs Q’s contents and argues for distinct QMt and QLk strands, illustrating conclusions by close comparison of parallel sayings and narrative arrangements.