What Are the Synoptic Gospels?

The phrase "synoptic gospels" is thrown around a lot in Biblical scholarship, but what does it mean, and why are they important? Are they as similar as people seem to think, and what do non-academics get wrong about them? Today, Megan is joined by Dr. Mark Goodacre, professor of Religious Studies and expert in all things synoptic, to answer these questions and to investigate some of his favorite differences between these fascinating texts.

[benford]

Ehrman vs Goodacre arguing Q's (non)existence would be a great episode!

[brianheard]

I felt the guy that listens in his truck, I’m listening from work as i write this.. Bart changed my life! Thank u guys

[YOOTOOBjase]

Megan's colour coordination is brilliant

[barjamlin]

I love this guy! His affection for scholarly study and joy of discovery is exciting.

[haushofer]

Two of my favorite YT people discussing my favorite topic. Many thanks, I love your reach out. Let me also take the opportunity to say how good of a host you are, Megan. Beautiful personality and asking all the right questions. All the best from Holland!

[TheDanEdwards]

Always a treat to get to hear Dr. Goodacre.

[dirkcampbell]

Thanks Mark for sharing your delight in a subject I thought I wouldn't learn anything new about as Bart has covered it umpteen times. Refreshing!

[barefootincactus]

I signed up for his course. So excited!

[shella]

Thanks for having Mark Goodacre on . Great episode hope everyone is safe from the weather that has torn through the east coast.

[MichaelYoder-eg]

Great conversation - very informative. Thanks, Mark and Megan!

[majipoorcat]

Do you think this was recorded before the hurricane? Hope everyone is safe.

[DrVictorVasconcelos]

The synaptic gospels are the gospels that were transmitted through neither oral traditions nor written works, but *neuroelectrochemical signaling* . Wait, did you say synoptic?

[jcg]

Great episode! Sometimes the special guest episodes are a little less engaging because Bart is so charismatic, but Mark really knows how to pull you into the story!

[Robert_L_Peters]

If only it were true that the New York Times and Washington Post were unaware of each other's coverage of a given event... 😆

[tomhenninger]

Bart, you've changed somehow... Mark is excellent from the other interview videos I've watched him on. Thanks again Mark!

[jimmcculloch]

I would like to know more about why Mark does not think Q does exist.

[joefromtheBronx]

Okay. Still waiting for that Acts of Pilate or whatever gospel episode they previewed weeks ago.

[MoniJun-gm]

Send my best wishes to Bart and his community

[ariebrons]

11:42 About the 200 Denarii not buying enough food:
Maintaining one Gastra* for a year costs about that much.
See: the logistics of the Roman Army for more.
(It's an entire genre here on YouTube).


*Gastra or Castra, a Roman military base.

[robcat]

When i was in confirmation classes they taught us that "synoptic" meant "seen by the eye" and only recently have I learned that was incorrect.

I wonder how widespread that idea is.