A. J. McNicol: The Importance of the Synoptic Problem for Interpreting the Gospels The Importance of the Synoptic Problem for Interpreting the Gospels

This essay examines the issue of the order of writing of the four Gospels in the New Testament canon. Procedurally, it discusses the emergence of the fourfold Gospel tradition, the Synoptic Problem and how it has been approached in history. The essay argues in favor of the Clementine or Two-Gospel Hypothesis position. An analysis of Matthew 10:5-23 functions as an illustration of the value of this Hypothesis for understanding the text and seeing its value for the life of faith