What is the two-source hypothesis?

Answer

In addressing this issue, it is helpful to first understand what the Synoptic Problem is, which refers to the question of how to explain the similarities and differences among the Synoptic Gospels. Matthew, Mark, and Luke are the Synoptic (“Same View”) Gospels because they share many similarities. Therefore, they can be studied synoptically or comparatively to learn about these similarities and differences. The Gospel of John, on the other hand, is distinct from the other three gospels and stands alone. Biblical scholars have dedicated much time to contemplating how the three Synoptic Gospels relate to each other.

One theory about the origins of the gospels is known as the two-source theory or the two-source hypothesis. According to this theory, Mark was the first to be written because both Matthew and Luke include almost all of Mark’s content while adding additional information. Matthew contains about 92 percent of Mark’s content, and Luke contains around 58 percent. Additionally, both Matthew and Luke include much more information that is not found in Mark. The two-source hypothesis suggests that Matthew and Luke used Mark as one source and also utilized a second, unidentified source to compile the remaining material in their gospels. This second source is commonly referred to in scholarly circles as “Q.” Therefore, the two-source hypothesis addresses the Synoptic Problem by proposing that Mark was the first gospel written, Matthew and Luke used Mark as a source for their gospels, and they also drew from an additional source known as “Q.”

Luke provides a valuable statement regarding the two-source hypothesis. In the prologue to his gospel in Luke 1:1–4, he states: “Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants.”Of the word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.” From this statement, we can learn helpful facts about how these gospels came about. Note that Luke says that “many have undertaken to compile a narrative” (ESV) about Jesus. He also notes that “eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered” (ESV) this information.

Thus, when Luke puts together his “orderly account” of the life of Jesus, he is using multiple sources, including what appears to be written narratives about various events in the life of Christ. Some may have recorded several events of His life or just one or two. If Luke is using the Gospel of Mark as a source, that clearly is a large narrative record. It also seems that Luke is using oral accounts from “eyewitnesses.” In Luke 2:51, we find that Jesus’ mother, Mary, “treasured all these things in her heart.” “These things” are events in the life of the young Jesus. It is likely that Luke spoke with Mary in putting together his gospel.

The “ministers of the word” Luke mentions very well may include some of the original apostles who were used by God to start up the church as recorded in Acts. In regard to eyewitness accounts as well as written narratives of the life of Christ, it is helpful to remember Jesus’ words in John 14:26 where He tells His disciples that the Holy Spirit will “teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” This affirms that the gospel writers were compiling and writing down accounts of the life of Jesus from reliable, Holy Spirit-inspired words and recollections of Jesus’ followers.

In conclusion, scholarly topics such as the two-source hypothesis can be helpful in understanding how God, through the Holy Spirit, brought about His gospels. Regardless of whether we ever come to a place of confidence regarding exactly how

When the gospels were compiled, we are confident that it was solely through the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit of God.