The Four-Source Theory
Name ________________________________
Most biblical scholars today are of the opinion that Mark is the first written canonical Gospel. It
was most likely written in the late 60s. Both Matthew and Luke used Mark as a source, but
they also used an unknown source that scholars named “Q” (from the German word quelle,
which means “source”). This source provides mostly “sayings” of Jesus for these two Gospels.
Both Matthew and Luke also used sources unique to their Gospels – we call them M and L
respectively. Thus, the four-source theory states that Mark was the earliest Gospel and that I
it was used by both Matthew and Luke. This theory best explains the similarities and
differences found in the three synoptic Gospels.
If Mark was the first Gospel written, if Matthew and Luke copied Mark and a collection of Jesus
sayings (Q), and if both Matthew and Luke had sources unique to their Gospels, diagram what
this theory would look like.
Using a highlighter or colored pen or pencil, highlight the words and phrases that are identical
between Matthew and Luke. Your results will illustrate the Q source used by these two
authors.
Matthew 3:7-10
But when he saw many Pharisees and
Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to
them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned
you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear
fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume
to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as
our ancestor;’ for I tell you, God is able from
these stones to raise up children to
Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the
root of the tree; every tree therefore that
does not bear good fruit is cut down and
thrown into the fire.”
Luke 3:7-9
John said to the crowds that came out to be
baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who
warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not
begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have
Abraham as our ancestor;’ for I tell you,
God is able from these stones to raise up
children to Abraham. Even now the ax is
lying at the root of the tree; every tree
therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut
down and thrown into the fire.”
Looking at your results, what can you say about the content of the Q source?