The New Testament begins with the books of Matthew, Mark,
and Luke. Also known as the Synoptics, these books are very similar and diverse
in quite a few aspects. One important similarity is the fact that all three of
these books are written about the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, which is
the reason that they are given the name The Synoptics. Another common
characteristic is that Matthew, Mark, and Luke contain accounts of the death
and resurrection of Jesus, as well as many of His astounding miracles. There
are however a collections of differences throughout the Synoptics. One major
example would be the fact that format, chapter content, and specificity very
greatly in each individual book. Another key difference is that the birth of
Jesus Christ is described in Matthew and Luke, but is not mentioned in book of
Mark. Also, the setting of Mark is actually located around the Sea of Galilee,
while Matthew and Luke take place in the region of Palestine. The opposites and common ground that the
Synoptic books share are very important, but all three books very accurately
depict the life of Jesus on this earth.
