ANSWER: The first three accounts of the gospel, Matthew, Mark, and Luke are often called the synoptic gospels (from the Greek sunopsis, a seeing together). This is because they have much in common and, generally, present the Lord’s life and ministry in Galilee in much the same way. There is much speculation as to the dates of each and the order in which they were written. However, most scholars agree that all three were written before 70AD, most likely between 40AD and 63AD. Since specific dates cannot be accurately assigned, guessing which of the three was written first would not be wise.

Problems alleged to exist between the synoptic gospels are only in the minds of those who reject the verbal, plenary inspiration of the Bible (1 Corinthians 2:12:13; 2 Timothy 3:16). There are no problems with the inspired word of God. It is truth!