External Evidence in Synoptic Source Criticism

The Role of External Evidence

External evidence in synoptic source criticism refers to any information outside of the text of the gospels that has a bearing on the composition of the synoptic gospels. This primarily involves the statements of the Church fathers involving the circumstances under which the Gospels were written. Here is a list of the patristic and apostolic evidence:

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First Century Luke's Prologue Presbyter John, died c.100.	Second Century Papias, writing c.125. Justin Martyr, writing c.150 Old Latin Prologues Irenaeus, writing c.185
Third Century Clement of Alexandria, c.150-c.215 Tertullian Origen, c.182-251, writing after 244. Hippolytus Dionysius of Alexandria	Fourth Century Eusebius Muratorian Canon, early 4th cen. or late 2d cent. Ephraem the Syrian, c. 306-373. Epiphanius, c. 315-403; writing c. 375. Ambrosiaster, writing c. 375. Monarchian Prologues Jerome, c. 347-420; writing c. 400. Augustine, 354-430; writing c. 400.