Originally delivered as one of the Jowett Lectures for 1906, the contents of this booklet emerged during the first quest for the historical Jesus. Somewhat surprisingly, Burkitt discovered that historical criticism increased the historical credibility of the Synoptic Gospels in his estimation. This first lecture in the series addresses the literary originality of the Gospel of Mark. Insisting that the Synoptic Gospels must go back to a single written source, Burkitt reasons out how Mark should be given priority, but not an Ur-Mark as had been posited by some. Surveying all 20 instances where Matthew and Luke disagree against Mark, Burkitt is ready to address the whole of Mark. Other than the eschatological discourse in Mark 13, the author asserts that the unique material of this Gospel originated with the author of the material common to all the Synoptics.

Francis Crawford Burkitt (1864-1935) began his academic career as a student of mathematics. While at Cambridge University he moved to Divinity, becoming the Norrisian Professor. His interest in the text of the New Testament led him to study Syriac manuscripts and to publish widely in the field. He was a fellow of the British Academy.