Viewed together, the synoptic gospels tell one of the greatest stories ever written. In this brilliantly taught course, you will gain a profound understanding of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Derived from the Greek word synopsis ("summary"), the term "synoptic" refers to the first three New Testament books, which record many of the same events and parables. The "synoptic problem," or the speculation around the exact literary relationship among the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, remains one of the most fascinating topics in literary history. As with any literary work, you have to study the context out of which the gospels emerged to arrive at a fuller understanding of the stories they tell. In Synoptic Gospels: How to Read and Understand Matthew, Mark, and Luke, a comprehensive audio course, Fr. William Burton, O.F.M., breaks down the first three gospels for an astute audience. Carefully situating each in its historical and cultural context, Fr. Burton gives you fresh insights into the similarities and differences across their accounts of Jesus'' life and ministry. Under his guidance, you will dissect the chronology and authorship of the gospels, the religious milieus in which the evangelists wrote, and issues of translation. By way of conclusion, you will ask why the fourth gospel, John, marks such a radical departure from the earlier three. Unravel the mysteries of the Gospels and gain new insights into Christ''s mission as you embark on this engaging exploration of how the synoptic gospels came into being.