The Gospels

Each Gospel is ascribed to a person who either witnessed the events described or who obtained eyewitness accounts. Each of the Gospels tells us things that none of the others do. Each Gospel was written by different people at different times in different places with unique situations. All, however, were probably written sometime between a.d.. 60-95 (see the introductions to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John).

Each of the writers shaped the telling of his story to accomplish particular purposes. For example, Matthew focused on Jesus as the Messiah foretold in the Old Testament. Mark presented Jesus as an active Person, a powerful Minister, and a Suffering Servant. Luke portrayed Jesus as the Savior for all people. John specifically explained his purpose in writing his Gospel (see John 20:31). He wanted his readers to understand that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. We can be thankful that we have four different Gospels. Our knowledge of who Jesus is and what He has done is far richer and deeper because we have more than just one Gospel.

The various purposes of the Gospels can help us understand and appreciate their differences and unique features. The way or time an event or saying of Jesus is presented is often shaped by the author's overall purpose. This in no way casts doubt on the reliability or trustworthiness of the writing or the historicity of the event. Instead we recognize that while the Gospels can be read together as complementary stories in harmony one with another, we also learn that each Gospel must be read and understood on its own. Together these four books present for us the good news about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

MAP: Palestine in New Testament Times