Who was Jesus of Nazareth? While everyone may have an opinion, the only firm evidence comes from the four Gospels found in the New Testament, the first three of which are known as “Synoptic Gospels,” while John is a gospel unto itself.

Who was Jesus of Nazareth in his own context? What did he do and why? The Gospels paint different portraits of Jesus. How should these very different portrayals of Jesus in his own context and in the contexts of the Gospel writers be perceived?

This companion to the Synoptic Gospels will enable one to understand Jesus on the basis of the testimony of those first three Gospels—chapter by chapter, story by story, passage by passage. This work will help guide one through the similarities and perhaps confusing differences of the Gospels, thus enabling one to recognize, interpret, and appreciate the teachings and ministry of Jesus as found in the Gospels themselves.

The present guide may be used with any Bible text, although it is designed as a companion work to be used with the synopsis of Gospel Parallels edited by Burton Throckmorton. Students, laypersons, and clergy will all receive benefit from use of this reference tool.