Implications of New Data Pertaining to the Problem of Synoptic Relationships

Abstract

This paper grows out of research done for reasons quite removed investigating the synoptic problem, but which threw up data that had direct, and unexpected implications for the relationships between the Synoptic Gospels. It attempts to pursue these implications in a methodical way which lays a basis for the rather novel hypothesis advanced. It will do so by first stating some definitions , then by pursuing common ground on which all involved in the debate are agreed, by outlining the new data and its limitations, and finally, by developing a thesis consistent with this data.