Farrer hypothesis

The Farrer Theory is a possible solution to the synoptic problem which has been mainly advocated by some English biblical scholars. The theory is that the Gospel of Mark was written first, followed by the [Gospel of Matthew] and then by the Gospel of Luke. The Farrer Theory is named after Austin Farrer who wrote 'On Dispensing With Q' in 1955. But has been picked up by other scholars including Micheal Goulder and currently by Mark Goodacre.

The Farrer Theory has the advantage of simplicity as there is no need for hypothetical sources to be created by academics. Instead, advocates of the Farrer Theory argue that the author of Mark wrote his gospel first which was used as source material by the author of Matthew. Lastly Luke used both of the previous gospels as sources for his gospel.

See also

• Markan priority
• Synoptic problem
• Griesbach hypothesis
• Two-source hypothesis

External links

• On Dispensing With Q by Austin Farrer
• The Case Against Q web site by Mark Goodacre
• Overview of proposed solutions by Stephen C. Carlson