Why are the first three Gospels called synoptic Gospels but not John?

Answer 1

The word 'synoptic' means to see with the same eye, in other words to see the story of Jesus in much the same way. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke are regarded as synoptic gospels because they are moderately similar in the storoes they tell. John's Gospel differs considerably and is therefore not called a synoptic gospel.

Scholars say that Mark's Gospel was the first gospel to be written, about 70 CE, and that the author's of Matthew and Luke relied on Mark for information about the life and mission of Jesus, as well as taking further, sayings material from the hypothetical 'Q' document. Whenever Matthew and Luke agree with Mark they are very close to the account in Mark, often even using exactly the same words in the Greek language. The extent of copying is demonstrated by Matthew's Gospel containing some 600 of the 666 verses in Mark. Thus, Matthew and Luke and therefore Mark are 'synoptic'.

Scholars say that John's Gospel was loosely based on Luke's Gospel, with some material taken direct from Mark. So, not only is John further removed from the original gospel than were Matthew and Luke, but its author felt less inclination to follow his source closely. Although Johnrarely contradicts Luke directly, its author did change the timing or significance of events, or add further details that coloured the meaning. In defence of John, the early Church Father, Origen (Commentary on John) says, "Although he does not always tell the truth literally, he always tells it spiritually."