The Three Gospels: New Testament History Introduced by the Synoptic Problem
Overview
This is a book with a double thrust. Dr. Mosse presents an unremittingly logical assault upon the Synoptic Problem which develops into a general treatment of the major issues in New Testament history.
Repeatedly affirming the testimony of Papias and the Early Fathers, Mosse offers a carefully integrated case for early dates and traditional authorship of the three Synoptic gospels and Acts in opposition to the redundant hypothesis of Q. This in turn leads into a study of Paul’s later career, including a detailed discussion of the dates and provenance of his later epistles. Along the way he addresses cruces such as the chronology of Jesus’ ministry in Mark and John; the identification and dates of Paul’s visits to Jerusalem; Paul’s ever-changing Corinthian itineraries; the date and addresses of Galatians; and many others. All this is supported by a wealth of reference material including a full chronology of the New Testament and a historical survey of all the epistles in their probable sequence. The end product has a wide appeal which will attract New Testament specialists as well as students of theology, preachers and laity seeking to refresh their understanding of modern New Testament scholarship.
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- Study of Paul’s later career, including a detailed discussion of the dates and provenance of his later epistles
- Analysis of cruces such as the chronology of Jesus’ ministry in Mark and John
- Historical survey of all the epistles in their probable sequence
Top Highlights
“Papias’ comments on Matthew and Mark derive from St John the Apostle and are therefore to be upheld, ‘John the Elder’ being an invention of Eusebius.” (Page xiv)
“contrasting it with the fourfold Gospel or Diatessaron” (Page 25)
“the near absence of sequential correlation would seem to make literary dependence impossible” (Page 140)
“with the parallel texts of Mark, Luke and John rearranged so that they conformed to Matthew’s order” (Page 25)
“distinguish properly between direct literary use of a prior text and knowledge of oral traditions” (Page 7)
This is a fine piece of work, creatively challenging a number of paradigms in New Testament scholarship and making use of all kinds of early Christian evidence to reconstruct a full and persuasive chronology for the biblical documents . . . It will certainly provoke controversy, and is unlikely to convince everyone; but it is argued with energy and clarity and insists, rightly, on the significance of many neglected sources and arguments. A real achievement.
—Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury
Martin Mosse has written a lively and provocative study of the composition of the Synoptic Gospels within the context of primitive Christianity . . . The broad sweep of his investigations and the relentlessly pursued logic of many of his arguments are to be welcomed. Mosse flies many worthwhile kites, which will deserve analysis by perceptive readers.
—J. Keith Elliot, University of Leeds
There is much to admire in this frontal attack on scholarly orthodoxy.
—Times Literary Supplement
- Title: The Three Gospels: New Testament History Introduced by the Synoptic Problem
- Author: Martin Mosse
- Publisher: Paternoster Press
- Publication Date: 2007
- Pages: 400