The Fourth Synoptic Gospel: John's Knowledge of Matthew, Mark, and Luke

Published by Eerdmans (US), 2025.

Generations ago in biblical studies, it was taken for granted that John wrote with full knowledge of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. But this consensus was overturned in the 1930s and since then, there has been no agreement on the issue. Today many scholars view the problem as unsolvable or impossibly complex. Mark Goodacre, however, takes a different view. In his galvanizing new book, Goodacre synthesizes long-neglected data with newer perspectives to make a strong case for John's familiarity with all three Synoptic Gospels.

Writing in a clear and accessible style, Goodacre takes a systematic, step by step approach to showing that John knew and used the narratives of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Goodacre identifies key points of agreement that range from diagnostic shards to shared structures. He also analyzes key differences; in his telling, John dramatically transforms the Synoptics and develops their Christology while adding a beloved disciple of Jesus, who is himself a Synoptic character. To make his argument accessible to a broad audience, Goodacre minimizes the use of scholarly citations and translates all Greek words. Just as importantly, he illustrates his claims with clear, simple charts so that readers can see for themselves the evidence that John knew and used the Synoptics.

The Fourth Synoptic Gospel is sure to spark lively discussions among biblical scholars. Given that John's relationship to the Synoptics is a fundamental issue in New Testament studies, Goodacre's book is also a must read for students and professors alike.

Thomas and the Gospels: The Case for Thomas's Familiarity with the Synoptics

Published by Eerdmans (US) and SPCK (UK), 2012.

The Gospel of Thomas is the noncanonical Gospel par excellence, the "fifth Gospel" that promises scholars new sayings of Jesus and the hope of new insight into Christian origins. But scholars remain divided over whether or not Thomas represents an early, independent witness to the Jesus tradition or whether it is secondary, showing knowledge of the Synoptic Gospels.

In Thomas and the Gospels, Mark Goodacre makes a detailed and compelling case that the author of the Gospel of Thomas is familiar with the Synoptic Gospels. He shows that the arguments for independence are inadequate and that the degree of agreement between Thomas and the Synoptics is far too great to be mediated by oral tradition.

He points out that Thomas features tell-tale signs of Matthew's and Luke's redaction and that the Gospel should be dated in the early to middle second century, when its author sought to lend an authoritative Synoptic-sounding legitimacy to the voice of his enigmatic Jesus.

The Case Against Q: Studies in Markan Priority and the Synoptic Problem

"This is an urgently needed book in New Testament studies . . . Goodacre's sharply argued book dismantles the shopworn case for Q and challenges us to think freshly about synoptic relationships . . . Every intellectually serious teacher of the New Testament must grapple with this book."  (Richard B. Hays, The Divinity School, Duke University)

For full details including table of contents, endorsements, ordering information and a wealth of supplementary materials, please visit The Case Against Q Web Site.

The Synoptic Problem: A Way Through the Maze

Possibly the greatest literary enigma in history, the Synoptic Problem has fascinated generations of scholars. Yet the Synoptic Problem remains inaccessible to students, soon tangled up in its apparent complexities. But now Mark Goodacre offers a way through the maze, with the promise of emergence at the end, explaining in a lively and refreshing style what study of the Synoptic Problem involves, why it is important and how it might be solved. This is a readable, balanced and up-to-date guide, ideal for undergraduate students and the general reader.

Now available to read for free for all online in a variety of formats. For details, see The Synoptic Problem: A Way Through the Maze companion site.

Understanding the Bible and Its World; London and New York: T and T Clark International, 2001

Goulder and the Gospels: An Examination of a New Paradigm

"An outstanding analysis of the contribution of Goulder to New Testament studies" (Prof. Allan J. McNicol, Austin Graduate School, Texas). "Goodacre does an expert job on a deserving scholar" (Prof. Robert Gundry, Westmont College, Santa Barbara).

JSNTSup, 133; Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1996