"Synoptics:
1. Emphasize the Galilean setting of the inital part of Jesus' ministry.
2. Little information given to determine the length of Jesus' ministry.
3. Emphasize Jesus' teaching in short parables and sayings, centering on the theme of the Kingdom of God.
4. Focus attention on events and teachings that were typical and important in the earthly life of Jesus.
John:
1. Considerable movement between Galilee and Judea
2. Mentions at least three different Passover feasts which suggests a ministry of at least 2 1/2-3 years.
3. Relates long speeches by Jesus, frequently mentions eternal life, emphasizes Jesus' teachings about Himself.
4. More of a theological purpose, and places more stress on the meaning and significance of Jesus and His work."-Wilkins "Encountering Jesus and the Gospels."
When referring to the similarities in the synoptics during the passion week death and ressurection you can look to Matthew 21:1-28:20, Mark 11:1-16:8, Luke 19:28-24:53. Similarly when talking about the story of the paralytic being let down through the roof for Jesus to heal all three insert a paranthesis at the same place in their texts. Matthew 9:6, Mark 2:10, Luke 5:24. Also all use a quote from Isaiah 40:3 when referring to John the Baptist-Matthew 3:3, Mark 1:3, Luke 3:4. Wilkins
In differences in B.F. Westcott's "An Introduction to the Study of the Gospels" there are these listings:
Mark: 7 Peculiarities 93 Coincidences
Matthew: 42 Peculiarities 58 Coincidences
Luke: 59 Peculiarites 41 Coincidences
John: 92 Peculiarites 8 Coincidences.
In Matthew, Matthew was writing specifically to Jewish audience so most of his text went in that general direction since Matthew was Jewish himself. His gospel is considered a "Jewish Christian gospel with a universal outlook."-Wilkins. Mark was more writing to a general Gentile audience and his purpose was to write about the actions of Christ. Mark was not a disciple but he did accompany Peter and wrote everything that happened to Peter and from Peter. Luke as a doctor wanted to write an extremely accurate account to the world. He was the only Gentile writer in the new testament. Was friends with Paul and was written to Theophilus which means one who loves God. Luke is also the writer of the book of Acts later in the New Testament. John was writing to new Christans and people interested in Christianity.Historically the probable dates for each book are as follows:
"Matthew late 50's early 60's, Mark late 50's early 60's, Luke 60's, John 80's or 90's.
Place of Writing: Matthew Antioch in Syria, Mark Rome, Luke Rome, John Ephesus." Wilkins "Encountering Jesus and the Gospels".
During the passion week the following events are listed (Matthew 21-28, Mark 11-16, Luke 19-24, John 12-21
Arrival in Bethany (John 12:1)
Saturday: Evening celebration, Mary anoints Jesus (John 12:2-8, Matt. 26:6-13)
Sunday: Triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matt. 21:1-9, John 12:12-18) Jesus surveys the temple area (Mark 11:11) Return to Bethany (Mark 11:11)
Monday: Cursing of the fig tree on way to Jerusalem (Mark 11:12-14, Matthew 21:18-22) Cleansing of the Temple (Mark 11:15-17, Matthew 21:12-13) Returns to Bethany (Mark 11:19)
Tuesday: Debates with religious leaders in Jerusalem and teaching in the temple (Mark 11:27-12:44, Matthew 21:3-23:39) Olivet discourse on way to Bethany (Mark 13:1-37, Matthew 24:1-25:46)
Wednesday: Silent Wednesday Jesus and his disciples stay in Bethany. Judas makes arrangements for betrayal of Jesus (Mark 14:10-11, Matthew 26:14-16)
Thursday: Preparations for Passover (Mark 14:12-16, Matthew 26:17-19) Passover meal and Last Supper (Mark 12:17-25, Matthew 26:20-25) Upper room discourses (John 13-17) Prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:32-42, Matthew 26:36-46)
Friday: Jesus' betrayal and arrest (Mark 14:43-50, Matthew 26:47-56) Jewish trial, Jesus appears in three phases in front of the following: Annas (John 18:13-24) Caiaphas and partial Sanhedrin (Mark 14:53-65, Matthew 26:57-68) Sanhedrin fully assembled (Mark 15:1, Matthew 27:1-2) Then the Roman Trial of Jesus also in three phases first seeing Pontius Pilate (Mark 15:2-5, Matthew 27:2-14) Herod Antipas being second (Luke 23:6-12) Then back to Pilate (Mark 15:6-14, Matthew 27:15-23) Then Christs crucifixion taking place around 9AM-3PM (Mark 15:16-39, Matthew 27:27-54)
Sunday: Resurrection witnessed (Mark 16:1-8, Matthew 28:1-8) Resurrection appearances (Matthew 28:9-20, Luke 24:13-53, John 20-21).