multi-source hypothesis

{{Short description|Proposed solution to the synoptic problem}}

{{more footnotes needed|date=November 2013}}

{{Infobox synoptic hypothesis

| name = Multi-source hypothesis

| image = Synoptic Theory MS en.svg

| caption =

| other_name =

| order = Proto, Q
A, B
Matt, Mark, Luke

| additional_sources = Q-source, Proto, A, B

| Matthew = A, Q

| Mark = A, B

| Luke = B, Q

| originator = Herbert Marsh

| originating_work =

| origination_date =

| proponents = {{ubl|Marie-Émile Boismard,|Philippe Rolland,|Delbert Burkett}}

| opponents =

}}

The Multi-source hypothesis is a proposed solution to the synoptic problem, holding that Matthew, Mark, and Luke are not directly interdependent but have each drawn from a distinct combination of earlier documents. It encompasses a family of theories differing in the particulars of the nature and relationships of these earlier documents.

An early form of the theory was proposed by Herbert Marsh over two centuries ago.{{sfn|Marsh|1823|pp=167-409}} More recently, Marie-Émile Boismard proposed a structurally similar theory,{{sfn|Boismard|1979|pp=1-17}} which was further developed by Philippe Rolland{{sfn|Rolland|1984|p=136|ps= Rolland hypothesizes a proto-Matthew source originally composed in Hebrew}} and Delbert Burkett. Alan Kirk and Christopher Skinner have critiqued Burkett’s model for the Synoptic Problem.{{sfn|Burkett|2004|pp=141-2|ps= Burkett hypothesizes a proto-Mark source originally composed in Greek}}{{Cite journal |last=Kirk |first=Alan |title=Orality, Writing, and Phantom Sources |journal=New Testament Studies |volume=58 |issue=1 |pages=1-22}}{{Cite journal |last=Skinner |first=Christopher |title=Review of Delbert Burkett, Rethinking the Gospel Sources |journal=Review of Biblical Literature |volume=2}}

According to these theories, the common material among the three synoptic gospels ultimately derives from a proto-gospel somewhat like Mark. This proto-gospel underwent two independent revisions, A and B. Mark was formed by recombining these two revisions. Matthew built upon A and Luke upon B. Both Matthew and Luke also drew from a common source Q, as well as other sources for their unique material.