Burton H. Throckmorton (1921–2009)

Gifted to me by a clergy friend following a Lenten discussion group, this side-by-side comparison of the Matthew, Mark and Luke is primarily a reference book. It’s also apparently a classic go-to source for understanding how the three synoptic Gospels compare and contrast. What I found most interesting was the introductory section, which describes all of the other non-canonical gospels that are also referenced throughout. I knew there were other candidate scriptures, but didn’t realize just how many and how similar, or not, they were. The cross-references also cover John, helping the reader just how distinct that fourth book really is.… (more)

Lists, charts and narratives which show the parallels and doublets in the three synoptic Gospels. (Synoptic = Presenting or taking the same point of view; used especially with regard to the first three gospels of the New Testament).

Some say these are "parallel", in that the same story is being told. In fact, the stories are not parallel, and do not tell the same story. Comparison on its face exposes the truth that they tell wholly different stories. The details and even the essential themes are wholly divergent.

Significantly, none of the Apostles had any training or are noted for having the gift of memorization and recall. These Gospels were first penned in the century (or two) following the possible life of "Jesus"; interestingly, each Gospel uses the Latin name "son of Zeus". The hero is not a Jewish son. This strongly suggests that the authors were not Jewish. Each Gospel is a polemic against the Jews, and holds up Romans as trustworthy and honorable.… (more)