What are the "Gospels"?

Gospel of Matthew: Traditionally attributed to Matthew the tax collector, one of Jesus's twelve apostles. This gospel emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, presenting him as the Messiah, the King of the Jews. It includes the Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes.

Gospel of Mark: The shortest of the four, traditionally attributed to John Mark, a companion of Peter. Mark's Gospel is often seen as the earliest written and is known for its fast-paced, action-oriented narrative. It focuses on what Jesus did rather than his teachings, portraying him as a servant and the Son of God.

Gospel of Luke: Written by Luke, who is also credited with the Acts of the Apostles. Luke, described as a physician, provides a detailed, orderly account with a strong emphasis on Jesus's compassion, prayer life, and concern for the marginalized (women, the poor, sinners). It includes unique parables like the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son.

Gospel of John: Different in style and content from the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke), John's Gospel is more theological and symbolic. It focuses on Jesus's divine nature, presenting him as the Word (Logos) of God. It includes extended discourses like the "I Am" sayings and focuses on love, belief, and eternal life.

They were written to record the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, serving both as historical accounts and theological documents aimed at spreading the Christian message.

While traditionally attributed to the aforementioned authors, modern scholarship debates the exact authorship and dates. They are generally believed to have been written between around 35-40 AD (Mark) to 65-70 AD (John).

While there is significant overlap in the narratives (especially in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, known as the Synoptic Gospels), each gospel also contains unique material, reflecting different emphases and audiences.

They were written in a context where oral tradition was strong, and the early Christian communities were looking to preserve the teachings and life of Jesus amidst persecution and growth.

For Christians, these texts are not just historical but are considered inspired by God, providing the foundation for understanding Jesus's role in salvation, his teachings on ethics, and the nature of God.

The Gospels are crucial for understanding Christian theology, ethics, and the historical figure of Jesus of Nazareth, offering both narrative and doctrinal insights into early Christian beliefs.