Introductions of the first 4 books of the New Testament- The Gospels-
Matthew, Mark, Luke, John
4 Gospel Writers
Matthew- Earlier a Tax Collector; one of the first 12 disciples chosen by Jesus; also called Levi [in Mark & Luke], son of Alphaeus [Mark 2:14]
Mark- John Mark [Acts 12:12], son of Mary, who had a house in Jerusalem where people gathered for prayer; cousin of Barnabas [Colossians 4:10]; accompanied Paul and Barnabas on Paul’s 1st missionary journey; spiritual son & interpreter for Peter.
Luke- A Greek physician; missionary companion of Paul from 2nd missionary journey to Paul’s final imprisonment in Rome.
John- One of the first 12 disciples chosen by Jesus; he was the son of Zebedee and Salome; his brother was James, another of Jesus’ chosen disciples.
The Gospels of Matthew, Mark & Luke are called the Synoptic [meaning seeing together] Gospels, because they are similar. The Gospel of John is different.
Almost 91% of Mark’s Gospel is contained in Matthew and almost 53% of Mark’s Gospel is found in Luke.
Matthew, the former Hebrew tax collector wrote for the Hebrew mind.
Mark writes for the Roman mind.
Luke writes with the Greek mentality in view.
John interprets the facts of Jesus’ life.
Gospel Of Matthew
Author- Matthew, apostle of Jesus Christ
[others say- anonymous author, a well learned Jew, who drew on three main sources to compose his gospel: the Gospel of Mark and other writings called the Q source and the M source.]
Written to Greek speaking Jewish Christians
Dated- 50-70 A.D.
Theme- Jesus is the Jewish Messiah sent by God to fulfill Old Testament prophecy
Key Word- Jesus the King; Jesus the Messiah
Content- Birth & childhood of Jesus, Sermon on the mount, Miracles of Jesus, Calling of the disciples, Opposition to Jesus’ ministry, Olivet discourse, Betrayal, capture, trial, crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Gospel Of Mark
Author- John Mark
First mention of Mark is in Acts 12:12; son of Mary, who had a house in Jerusalem where people gathered for prayer; Acts 12:25- Mark accompanied Paul and Barnabas; Acts 13:5- Mark helped Paul and Barnabas in their 1st missionary journey; Acts 13:13- Mark left them while at Perga and returned to Jerusalem; Acts 15:36-39- Paul and Barnabas had an argument regarding Mark because Mark had deserted them earlier; Barnabas took Mark and went to Cyprus; Colossians 4:10- Mark reappears in Paul’s letter to Colossians; By the end of Paul’s life, Mark fully regained Paul’s favour. 1 Peter 5:13- The Apostle Peter mentions Mark as his spiritual son.
Written to Gentile Christians, probably in the church at Rome.
Dated- 50-60 A.D.
Theme- Jesus, the Servant Son of God & Messiah who died as a ransom for sinners.
Key Word- Jesus the Servant Son of God
Content- John the baptist, Jesus’ early and late ministry in Galilee, Jesus’ ministry in Judea, Perea & elsewhere, Arrest, trial, death, burial & resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Gospel of Luke
Author- Luke, a gentile Physician & missionary companion, friend & fellow worker of Apostle Paul from 2nd missionary journey. Also wrote the book of Acts.
Written to Theophilus [probably an influential Roman official/other wealthy person who became a Christian]; meant for all believers too.
Dated- 60-75 A.D.
Theme- Jesus, the Son of Man & Messiah, whose life, death and resurrection make salvation available to all.
Key Words- Jesus, the Son of Man; the Messiah
Content- Accounts of Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, John & Jesus, Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, Judea, Perea & elsewhere, Arrest, trial, crucifixion, death, burial & resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Gospel Of John
Author- John, Apostle of Jesus Christ
He also wrote the epistles 1 John, 2 John, 3 John & the book of Revelation.
Written to Gentile believers & seeking unbelievers
Dated- 50-75 A.D.
Theme- Jesus is the Word, the Messiah who gives eternal life & the Son of God who reveals the Father
Key Word- Believe
Content- The Word becoming flesh, John the baptist, Jesus’ ministry, 7 I am’s, Jesus’ prayer, Betrayal, arrest, trials, crucifixion, death & resurrection.