1. Why FOUR Gospels?

2. Eyewitness accounts Probably notes from Jesus’ ministry Early preaching Numerous early writings (Luke 1:1) Jesus’ ministry Matthew Mark Luke John AD 30 – 33 AD 60 - 90 How did we get the Gospels?

3. “Synoptic” Gospels: Matthew, Mark & Luke Some sort of dependence Each combines & paraphrases Ex 23:20 & Mal 3:1 in the same way. Mat 11:10 “Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way [before You].” Ex 23:20 “Behold, I send an angel before [your face] to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared.” Mal 3:1 “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me.”

4. Matthew Mark Luke Other source(s) Most common theory: How did we get the Gospels?

5. Why these four Gospels? Many early “gospels” – Gospel of Thomas – Gospel of Judas Only four from the apostles – Church used these four – Each is historically & theologically accurate – Each has different themes & emphases

6. Why these four Gospels? Criminal saved Centurion Veil rent Earthquake & graves Joseph’s tomb Nicodemus Scripture fulfilled Tomb guarded Earthquake & angel Group of women Mary Magdalene Two men/angels Women afraid Jesus & women Disc. unbelief Priests lie Peter & John Jesus & Mary Road to Emmaus Jesus & disciples Thomas Peter’s restoration Great commission Ascension L MMLJ MMLJ M MMLJ J MMJ M M ML MJ LJ M M ML M J MJ ML ML J J MM ML Events of Jesus’ death & resurrection

7. Each Gospel writer chose: What to include What to leave out How to arrange the material What truth he wanted to communicate “The evangelists wrote with more than, but not less than, historical interest.” Why these four Gospels?

8. Because… the story of Jesus is too to be told from only one perspective. Why FOUR Gospels? important life-changing pivotal vital central crucial