An inquiry into the preference for oral tradition over literary solutions to the Synoptic Problem through and analysis of the verbal agreements in Matthew and Mark

This dissertation attempts to explore an alternative idea about the Synoptic Problem. The intention is to compare the verbal similarities of Matthew and Mark. They may be a result of oral traditions, not literary interdependence.;The primary means of accomplishing the task is through the Thesaurus Linguae Graecae. The similarities found between Matthew and Mark are compared with other Greek texts of the first centuries before and after Christ. Many of these similarities can be found in other Greek writings and suggest the possibility of common linguistic oral patterns.;Before presenting an oral theory, the literary theories are examined. The contention of this dissertation is that the literary theories have stagnated. In the introduction, the history of the Two-Document and Griesbach Hypotheses are examined to indicate the strengths and weaknesses of each one. The inherent weaknesses of the hypotheses show that neither of the theories can prove the Synoptic Problem.;The next chapter explores the history of oral tradition theories and their impact and influence on Synoptic studies. For the most part, they have been ignored. Yet, various aspects of oral theories emphasize the importance and utilization of oral traditions in the ancient world.;Next, the feasibility of the independence of Matthew and Mark is examined. Many contentions of the literary theorists have been questioned. Although the independence of Matthew and Mark cannot be proven completely, the viewpoint is credible.;The final chapter contains five categorizations of the verbal similarities: Old Testament quotations, sayings of Jesus, words essential to the story, common linguistic phrases, and traditional and theological elements. A comparison of the similarities with non-Canonical writings of the'period demonstrates a correlation, which allows the plausibility of an oral background. An oral background suggests the possibility of oral collections. Oral collections suggest an alternative source for Matthew and Mark.;This dissertation is not an attempt to solve the Synoptic Problem, but an effort to challenge literary presuppositions. Since literary theories have stagnated, another means of exploring the formation of the Gospels is necessary. The following dissertation is one alternative in the exploration into the Synoptic Problem.