What Are the Gospels? A Deep Dive into the Most Influential Biographies Ever Written
This article has been taken from a transcript of the same content found on Whiskey and the Writings
The Gospels are some of the most significant pieces of literature ever written, chronicling the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As arguably the most famous person to have ever lived, Jesus' story has been told and retold for centuries. Yet, many people make assumptions about the Gospels or simply don't know much about them beyond their presence in the Bible. In this article, we'll explore what the Gospels are, who wrote them, why they were written, and what we can learn from them.
What Are the Gospels?
The four books commonly referred to as "The Gospels"—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—are biographical accounts of Jesus' life. They function primarily as biographies of Jesus, intended to convey theological truths alongside historical events.
Some might ask about other so-called "gospels" that exist outside the New Testament, such as the Gospel of Thomas or the Gospel of Mary. These texts, mostly written in the second or third century, belong to a movement called Gnosticism. The early church rejected these writings as unreliable and inconsistent with the eyewitness accounts preserved in the canonical Gospels. Early church historian Eusebius even categorized such writings as "rejected" in his third-century work, long before the finalization of the New Testament canon.
Why Were the Gospels Written?
The need for written accounts of Jesus' life arose as Christianity spread beyond its Jewish roots into the Greco-Roman world. Initially, oral tradition was the primary way of passing down Jesus' teachings, but as the church expanded and eyewitnesses began to pass away, a written record became necessary.
Additionally, the Gospels were written to preserve the message of Jesus, combat false teachings, and provide a foundation for discipleship. Luke, for example, explicitly states his reason for writing in Luke 1:1-4, explaining that he compiled an orderly account so that his reader, Theophilus, could have confidence in the teachings he had received.
Who Wrote the Gospels?
The traditional authors of the Gospels are:
- Matthew: A tax collector and one of Jesus' twelve disciples.
- Mark: A companion of Peter; his Gospel could be thought of as Peter’s testimony.
- Luke: A physician and historian who was a companion of Paul; he interviewed eyewitnesses for his account.
- John: One of Jesus' closest disciples, often called "the beloved disciple."
Mark is widely believed to have been the first Gospel written, with Matthew and Luke drawing from it as a primary source. Scholars also theorize that Matthew and Luke shared another unknown source, often called "Q," containing sayings of Jesus not found in Mark.
Why Are the Gospels Different?
One of the most common questions about the Gospels is why they contain variations in wording, event order, and emphasis. The answer lies in their intended audiences and purposes:
- Matthew: Written for a Jewish audience, emphasizing Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the promised Messiah.
- Mark: A shorter, action-packed account meant for a Roman audience, highlighting Jesus' authority and role as a new King.
- Luke: Written for a broader Greek audience, showcasing Jesus as the Savior of all people, including Gentiles and the marginalized.
- John: A theological reflection on Jesus’ divinity, emphasizing His role as the Son of God and the Word made flesh.
The differences among the Gospels are not contradictions but complementary perspectives that together give a fuller picture of Jesus.
How Should We Read the Gospels?
Rather than trying to harmonize every detail between the Gospels, it's best to appreciate each book for what it offers. Each Gospel gives a unique portrait of Jesus, and reading them with an understanding of their context and purpose allows for a deeper appreciation of their message.
When engaging with the Gospels, consider these approaches:
1. Read each Gospel independently – Allow each writer to tell the story in their own way without immediately comparing them to the others.
2. Look for major themes – Pay attention to how each Gospel presents Jesus and His mission.
3. Explore historical and cultural background – Understanding the first-century world helps illuminate the text’s meaning.
Conclusion
The Gospels are not just ancient texts; they are transformative narratives that have shaped history and continue to invite readers into a life-changing encounter with Jesus. Whether you're exploring them for the first time or have read them many times before, there's always something new to discover.
Stay tuned for future deep dives into individual Gospels, and if there’s a specific topic you’d like covered, let me know in the comments. Cheers, and happy reading!
