In the Christian faith, the gospels are among the most important books in the Bible. They tell the story of Jesus Christ’s life, teachings, death, and resurrection. But how many gospels are there, and who wrote them? This article will provide a detailed yet simple explanation to help you understand the significance of the gospels and their authors.
Introduction to the Gospels
The word “gospel” means “good news.” In the Christian context, the gospels are the accounts of the life of Jesus Christ, his ministry, and the message he brought to the world. There are four gospels in the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Each one offers a unique perspective on the life of Jesus. While they tell the same story, they emphasize different aspects of his teachings and actions.
How Many Gospels Are There?
There are four main gospels in the New Testament. These are:
- The Gospel of Matthew
- The Gospel of Mark
- The Gospel of Luke
- The Gospel of John
These four gospels are considered the canonical gospels, meaning they are the official accounts of Jesus’ life and ministry that are accepted by most Christian denominations. They were written by different authors, each with a unique style and focus. Let’s look at each gospel and its author.
The Gospel of Matthew
Who Wrote It?
The Gospel of Matthew is traditionally attributed to Matthew, one of Jesus’ twelve apostles. Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector before he became a follower of Jesus. His profession as a tax collector suggests that he was educated and capable of writing. The Gospel of Matthew is believed to have been written around 60-70 AD.
What Does It Focus On?
Matthew’s gospel emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. He highlights Jesus’ teachings, including the famous Sermon on the Mount, and stresses that Jesus came to save both Jews and Gentiles. Matthew’s audience was primarily Jewish, so he often refers to Old Testament scriptures to show that Jesus is the promised Messiah.
Matthew’s gospel also includes the genealogy of Jesus, tracing his lineage back to King David. This is significant because the Messiah was expected to come from David’s line.
The Gospel of Mark
Who Wrote It?
The Gospel of Mark is traditionally attributed to Mark, also known as John Mark. He was a companion of the apostle Peter and is believed to have written his gospel based on Peter’s teachings and eyewitness accounts. Mark’s gospel is considered the earliest of the four gospels and was likely written around 55-60 AD.
What Does It Focus On?
Mark’s gospel is the shortest of the four and is often seen as the most direct and action-oriented. It focuses on the deeds of Jesus, particularly his miracles, healings, and exorcisms. Mark’s writing style is fast-paced, often using the word “immediately” to describe the events that unfold.
Mark emphasizes Jesus as the Son of God and the suffering servant who came to serve and give his life as a ransom for many. This gospel includes the account of Jesus’ baptism, his transfiguration, and his suffering on the cross.
The Gospel of Luke
Who Wrote It?
The Gospel of Luke is traditionally attributed to Luke, a physician and companion of the apostle Paul. Luke is the only gospel writer who is not one of the twelve apostles, but his account is detailed and well-researched. Luke is also believed to have written the Acts of the Apostles, which is a continuation of his gospel. His gospel is thought to have been written around 60-80 AD.
What Does It Focus On?
Luke’s gospel emphasizes the compassion of Jesus, particularly toward the poor, sinners, and outcasts of society. It highlights Jesus’ parables, many of which are unique to Luke’s gospel, such as the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son. Luke’s gospel also includes detailed accounts of Jesus’ birth, which are not found in the other gospels.
Luke presents Jesus as the Savior of all people, not just the Jews, and he emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ ministry. His gospel also portrays Jesus’ care for women and the marginalized, offering a message of hope for all.
The Gospel of John
Who Wrote It?
The Gospel of John is traditionally attributed to John, the son of Zebedee, one of Jesus’ twelve apostles. John is often referred to as the “beloved disciple” because of his close relationship with Jesus. His gospel is believed to have been written around 90-100 AD, making it the latest of the four gospels.
What Does It Focus On?
John’s gospel is distinct from the other three gospels, known as the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). While the Synoptic Gospels focus more on Jesus’ actions, John’s gospel focuses on his identity as the Son of God. It contains profound theological reflections on who Jesus is, including the famous opening verse: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).
John’s gospel highlights the miracles of Jesus, which he refers to as “signs,” and it places a strong emphasis on eternal life. It includes long discourses of Jesus, such as the “I am” statements, where Jesus describes himself as the Bread of Life, the Light of the World, and the True Vine.
Why Are There Four Gospels?
The four gospels provide different perspectives on the life and teachings of Jesus, each contributing to a fuller understanding of his mission. While they are not identical, they do not contradict each other. Instead, they complement one another, offering a richer and more complete picture of Jesus’ life and message.
Matthew presents Jesus as the promised King and Messiah.
Mark emphasizes Jesus as the powerful servant who came to suffer.
Luke portrays Jesus as the compassionate Savior of all people.
John focuses on the divine nature of Jesus and his eternal mission.
These four gospels work together to reveal the fullness of who Jesus is: both fully human and fully divine, the Savior of the world.
The Importance of the Gospels
The gospels are central to the Christian faith because they provide the foundation for understanding Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. They teach Christians how to live according to Jesus’ example and words. Through the gospels, believers come to know Jesus personally and can deepen their relationship with him.
The teachings in the gospels are the basis for Christian doctrine, including the belief in the Trinity, salvation through Jesus Christ, and the call to love God and love others. The gospels also serve as a guide for Christian worship, prayer, and daily living.
Conclusion
There are four gospels in the Bible: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Each gospel was written by a different author, and each one offers a unique perspective on the life of Jesus Christ. These four gospels together provide a comprehensive account of Jesus’ life, teachings, and significance. Understanding who wrote them and what they focus on helps Christians deepen their faith and live according to the teachings of Jesus.
The gospels are not just historical documents; they are the living Word of God that continues to speak to believers today. Through these writings, Christians can encounter Jesus, grow in their understanding of his message, and be transformed by his love and grace.
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