THE GOSPELS

In this section:

BETWEEN THE GOSPELS

BETWEEN THE GOSPEL NARRATIVES

Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called the Synoptic Gospels. The reason that these three are called the Synoptics is because they recount in narrative form many of the same events and teachings with similar, and sometimes exactly the same, wording. The word "synoptic" literally means "seen together." When laying down passages out of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, the wording, order, and structure is seen together in a parallel form.

We started in Matthew in this chapter that deals specifically with the gospel narratives. Since much of what is used by those who hold to the NEST is taken from Matthew, and is essentially a repeat of parallel passages in the other synoptic accounts of Mark and Luke, the remainder of this chapter will not cover the Gospel of Mark. One passage will be examined out of the Gospel of Luke (Luke 15:11-32). The passage out of Luke is not found in the other two synoptic Gospels.

Finally this chapter will finish with two passages out of the remaining Gospel narrative of John. The gospel of John is different in some respects from the Synoptics. It is different, in that John records the same history of Christ, but with additional insights and revelations impressed upon John through his experience by inspiration of God's Spirit. The gospel of John supports and reaffirms the Synoptics, and vice-versa. Each is written with a different emphasis and focus, and we thank God for sovereignly ordaining so for His glory, and for His church's edification.