New Testament Gospels

New Testament Gospel Genre The Gospel books: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John The term “gospel genre” was invented because the four books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John were so unique. We didn’t know what genre they were exactly. Gospels are a mix of history, theology, biography, prophecy, and even some law.

What does Gospel mean?

Matthew Matthew, also called Levi, was one of the 12 apostles. Before following Jesus, he was a tax collector. He wrote “The Gospel According to Matthew.” Matthew’s gospel is about how Jesus is the fulfillment of Jewish Scriptures (OT.) Matthew’s gospel is the most “Jewish” of the four.

Mark John Mark was a cousin to Barnabas (friend of Paul) John Mark helped Peter often in Ministry He wrote “The Gospel According to Mark.” The book of Mark is the shortest, but it has the most miracles. Mark’s gospel focuses on Jesus being a servant

Luke Luke was a doctor and a missionary companion of Paul. Luke was probably a Greek, not a Jew. He wrote “The Gospel According to Luke.” Luke wrote this gospel and Acts to tell what he knew to his friends about Jesus. Luke’s gospel is the most universal of the four—not just for Jews.

Synoptic Gospels The first three gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) are called the synoptic gospels. They are very much a like in style and content. The authors probably borrowed stories, ideas, and words from each other. John is not part of the synoptic gospels. It is very different compared to the other three.

John John, the brother of Zebedee, was a disciple of Jesus. Before following Jesus, he was a fisherman. He wrote “The Gospel According to John.” John’s gospel is the most different out of the four gospels. John’s gospel focuses on Jesus as the son of God.