Hill, C The Synoptic Gospel

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Examining the Augustinian Hypothesis: Tracing the Scriptural Origins of the Synoptic Gospels Chakina L. Hill NBST515: New Testament November 6, 2023 ii

The Synoptic Gospel According to the Augustinian Hypothesis, the Gospel of Matthew is believed to have been written first, followed by Mark and then Luke. 1 This theory is supported by scriptural evidence found within the Gospels themselves. For example, there are similarities in wording and sequence of events between Matthew and Mark. Additionally, Luke's Gospel includes unique details not found in Matthew or Mark but aligns with both accounts. Let’s explore the scriptural evidence for the Augustinian Hypothesis and its implications on our understanding of the origins of these three Gospel accounts. The Christian church has long debated the order in which the synoptic gospels were written. The Augustinian Hypothesis suggests that the Gospel of Matthew was written first, followed by Mark and Luke. Early church writings lend support to this theory. Believers were well aware of the difficulties that existed in the Gospel narratives. But their faith in the power of God to override any tendency toward human error kept them from believing that the Gospels contradicted one another in fundamental ways. 2 However, it goes against the widely accepted belief that Mark was the first gospel to be written. Many scholars argue that Mark's gospel served as a source for both Matthew and Luke. If this is true, then it calls into question whether Matthew used Luke as a source or vice versa. While there are valid arguments on both sides, it ultimately comes down to personal interpretation and belief. Some may reject the Augustinian Hypothesis due to its lack of scriptural evidence while others may see it as a plausible explanation based on historical context and analysis of the texts themselves. Regardless of one's stance on this theory, it remains an intriguing point of discussion within biblical studies. 1 Walter A. Elwell and Robert W. Yarbrough, Encountering the New Testament: A Historical and Theological Survey , Third Edition., Encountering Biblical Studies (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2013), 156. 2 Ibid., 157.

The Augustinian Hypothesis, which suggests that Matthew wrote first, followed by Mark and then Luke who used both as sources, is strongly supported by scriptural evidence found in the Gospels themselves. One of the most compelling pieces of evidence is the similarity in wording and sequence of events between Matthew and Mark. For example, both gospels include the story of Jesus calming a storm while on a boat with his disciples. And when He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but He was asleep. And they went and woke Him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And He said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then He rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey Him? 3 On that day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took Him with them in the boat, just as He was. And other boats were with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” And He awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him? 4 This consistency adds credibility to the theory that Luke used Matthew's gospel as well as Mark's when writing his own account. However, it should be noted that Luke's Gospel also includes unique details not found in either Matthew or Mark, further solidifying this theory. Luke and John were then written independently, or perhaps with some knowledge, of Matthew and Mark. 3 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Mt 8:23–27. 4 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Mk 4:35–41.

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