The Gospels

The New Testament is composed of twenty-seven writings, and the New Testament divides into four sections: 1.Four Gospels 2.The Acts of the Apostles 3.Twenty-one Letters 4.The Book of Revelation

The word “gospel” means “good news”. There are 4 Gospels included in the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

The Four Gospels are Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John. O These Gospels passed through three stages in their development: O LIFE stage, what the disciples saw and heard. O PREACHING stage, what the Apostles preached. O WRITTEN stage, what the evangelists recorded.

*Each of the four Gospels was written at a different time, in a different place, for a different group of people. Experts do not agree when, where, and for whom each Gospel was written. This is the most probable rundown: O Mark wrote in Rome before A.D. 70 for Christians of a Gentile (non-Jewish) background O Mathew wrote in Antioch (Syria) between A.D. 70 and A.D. 90 for Christians of Jewish background. O Luke wrote in Greece between A.D. 70 and A.D. 90 for Christians of Greek background. O John wrote in Ephesus (Asia Minor) after A.D. 90 for Christians of all backgrounds.

Matthew was one of the first twelve disciples of Jesus and therefore an eye- witness; he records more of Jesus’ teaching concerning God’s heavenly kingdom than the other writers, for example the entire Sermon on the Mount.

Mark was Peter’s son who wrote down what Peter said about who Jesus was, what He did, where He went and what happened; Mark’s gospel is therefore Peter’s account, an eye-witness account written down by Mark.

Luke was a doctor and a co-worker of Paul’s. Because some false stories about Jesus were circulating, Luke decided to interview local eye-witnesses and people who had followed Jesus closely. Luke collated all the interviews into a single account, recording details not mentioned elsewhere, for example regarding the conception and birth of Jesus and Mary’s extended family, as you might expect of a doctor.

John was one of the first twelve disciples of Jesus and therefore an eye- witness; John brings out the spiritual significance as well as recording the practical aspects of Jesus’ works and words. John lived to be older than any of the other writers. It is therefore likely that he was familiar with their accounts and wanted to supplement theirs with additional teachings and miracles by Jesus.

What does each Gospel teach us about Jesus?

4 Portraits of Jesus in the Gospels Matthew- Teaching Saviour Mark- Suffering Saviour Luke- Compassionate Saviour John- Life Giving Saviour

Mark’s Image of Jesus O Mark-Portrait of Jesus influenced by the fact that he wrote mainly for Christians in Rome who were suffering persecution under the Roman emperor, Nero. O Mark stresses the suffering of Jesus. Mark’s portrait of Jesus is that of the Suffering Saviour or Messiah.

Matthew’s Image of Jesus O Mathew-Portrait of Jesus was influenced by the fact that he wrote mainly for Jews. They were deeply interested in how Jesus’ teachng fitted in with Moses’ teaching. O Thus Mathew stresses how Jesus brought the teaching of Moses to fulfillment. As a result, Mathew’s portrait of Jesus is that of the teaching Saviour.

Luke’s Image of Jesus O Luke-Portrait of Jesus was influenced by the fact that he wrote for Gentiles, especially the poor and outcasts of society. O Thus Luke stresses Jesus’ concern for the “second class” citizens of society. Luke’s portrait of Jesus is that of the compassionate Saviour.

John’s Image of Jesus O John-Portrait of Jesus was influenced by the fact that he wrote for Christians of all backgrounds. O Thus John stresses how Jesus came to make the lives of all people richer and fuller. “I have come,” says Jesus, “that you might have life-life in all its fullness” (John 10:10). As a result, John’s portrait of Jesus is that of the life-giving saviour.

The first three Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) are sometimes called “synoptic” (meaning “same view”) Gospels. This is because they share many of the same stories, teachings, and miracles of Jesus. O John, who was writing later, recounts Jesus’ other words and miracles that have a particular spiritual meaning. All four Gospels: O Present Jesus as both human and divine O Include Jesus’ baptism and the feeding of the 5000 O Include Jesus’ betrayal, trial, crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection O However, each writer does so in a slightly different way, recording additional details or emphasizing one aspect more than the others.

The Four Fold Gospel Message: Do not be Afraid, I am With You, Go and Tell Others, Continue My Work

Questions: O Why do you think Jesus’ life was recorded in different ways in the Bible? O What “image” of Jesus do you connect with most? Why? O Imagine different people you know were writing about you and your life. What “images” of you might they have? Use specific examples.