Their names resonate deeply within Christianity. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John – the authors attributed to the first four books of the New Testament, the Gospels. These texts are foundational, offering the primary narratives of the life, ministry, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For those seeking to understand Jesus, these Gospels are indispensable.
Imagine encountering the story of Jesus for the first time. How transformative it would be to hear accounts of His miracles, parables, and profound teachings! The Gospels serve this very purpose, providing generations with access to the life and words of the Savior. These books have been cherished for centuries, acting as windows into a pivotal period in human history.
While Matthew and John are readily identified as two of Jesus’s original Twelve Apostles, the roles of Mark and Luke might seem less clear. How did these four individuals come to document the life of Jesus? What perspectives did they bring to their writing? Understanding the authors enriches our reading and appreciation of their Gospels.
Scholars have dedicated significant effort to understanding the backgrounds and contexts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Here’s what we know about these pivotal figures who shaped our understanding of Jesus Christ.
Matthew: The Apostle and Tax Collector
Matthew, known also as Levi, occupied a unique position before becoming an Apostle. He was a publican, or tax collector, a profession often viewed with disdain in Jewish society. This role, however, suggests Matthew was likely educated and literate, capable of reading and writing, possibly in multiple languages including Greek, the lingua franca of the Roman Empire. Arithmetic skills would have been essential for his profession. Being present with Jesus throughout His ministry, Matthew undoubtedly witnessed and absorbed countless teachings and events. It’s plausible he kept notes or a journal of Jesus’s sayings, which could have later served as a foundation for his Gospel.
The Gospel of Matthew consistently emphasizes Jesus Christ as the prophesied Messiah, sent to fulfill the prophecies of the Old Testament. This focus indicates Matthew’s primary audience was Jewish, deeply familiar with these scriptures and awaiting the Messiah’s arrival. He meticulously connects Jesus’s life and ministry to Old Testament prophecies, demonstrating their fulfillment in Christ.
Matthew’s background might have also given him insights into the political realities of the time. His Gospel includes details that someone with connections or awareness of official circles would know. For instance, Matthew’s account of the Resurrection uniquely details the actions of the guards assigned to Jesus’s tomb. He reports that after witnessing the angels and the empty tomb, these guards informed their superiors. Subsequently, they were bribed with a large sum of money to spread the false story that Jesus’s disciples had stolen His body. (See Matthew 28:2–15). This detail, exclusive to Matthew’s Gospel, suggests he had access to information about the official response and cover-up attempts following the Resurrection.
Mark: Peter’s Interpreter and Gospel Writer
Mark was likely the youngest of the Gospel writers. His connection to the early Church is notable through his mother, who was a prominent follower of Jesus. Acts 12:12 mentions her house in Jerusalem as a gathering place for disciples. This verse also reveals Mark’s full name as John Mark.
While not one of the original Twelve Apostles, Mark was a follower of Jesus, possibly as a teenager during Jesus’s ministry in Jerusalem. He may have witnessed Jesus and heard his teachings on various occasions. Later, as Christianity spread, Mark became a companion of the Apostle Paul on missionary journeys. He further served alongside the Apostle Peter in Rome, acting as Peter’s interpreter. Given Peter’s Galilean background as a fisherman, he might not have been fluent in Greek. Mark functioned as a bridge, translating Peter’s teachings and recollections for wider audiences, both orally and in written form.
The Gospel of Mark is widely understood to be heavily influenced by the Apostle Peter’s eyewitness accounts and perspective. It is considered to reflect Peter’s emphasis on spreading the Gospel message to the Gentiles, the non-Jewish world. Mark’s Gospel is known for its fast-paced narrative, focusing on action and deeds, reflecting Peter’s dynamic personality and direct approach.
Luke: The Physician and Historian of Jesus
Luke stands out as a Gospel writer who did not personally know Jesus during His earthly ministry. He became a follower of Christ after Jesus’s death and resurrection, converting through the teachings of the Apostle Paul. Luke’s profession was that of a physician, indicating a level of education and a meticulous approach. He left his medical practice to become a companion of Paul, traveling with him and participating in his missionary work. This association provided Luke with opportunities to interact with numerous Apostles and individuals who were eyewitnesses to Jesus’s life and ministry.
Luke explicitly states his methodology in the opening verses of his Gospel. He indicates his intention to compile an orderly account based on the testimonies of eyewitnesses and early teachers of the Gospel. He undertook a form of historical investigation, interviewing those who had been present during Jesus’s ministry, miracles, and teachings. This careful approach underscores Luke’s desire for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
One of the most cherished narratives in Luke’s Gospel is the detailed account of Jesus’s birth. Elder Bruce R. McConkie, a respected theologian, suggested that Luke likely obtained his information about Jesus’s birth directly from Mary, Jesus’s mother. This possibility lends profound significance to Luke’s birth narrative, connecting it to the most intimate source.
Luke’s network of informants would have been extensive. Many who had known Jesus personally were still alive during the time Luke was compiling his Gospel. The Apostle Paul himself mentions that around 500 people witnessed Jesus after His Resurrection, and most were still living when Paul wrote his first letter to the Corinthians (see 1 Corinthians 15:6). Luke had access to a rich tapestry of firsthand accounts, allowing him to craft a detailed and historically grounded Gospel.
John: The Beloved Disciple and Theologian
John, often referred to as John the Beloved Disciple, was one of the original Twelve Apostles and held a close, intimate relationship with Jesus. His Gospel is generally believed to be the last written, suggesting John was aware of the other three Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) before composing his own. Rather than simply repeating narratives already well-documented, John often focused on unique aspects of Jesus’s ministry not included in the synoptic Gospels. He supplements their accounts, providing deeper theological insights and alternative perspectives. Notably, John’s Gospel includes the testimony of John the Baptist, indicating he might have had access to writings or traditions associated with this important figure.
John’s intended audience differed somewhat from the other Gospel writers. He wrote primarily for members of the early Church, individuals already familiar with the basic narrative of Jesus’s life. Consequently, John’s Gospel delves more deeply into the theological significance of Jesus, emphasizing His divine nature as the Son of God. He explores themes of Jesus’s pre-existence, His relationship with the Father, and the profound implications of His divinity for salvation and eternal life.
Intriguingly, the final verses of John’s Gospel offer a glimpse into John’s own destiny. Referring to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” John recounts a conversation where it was indicated that he would not die but would remain on the earth until the Second Coming of Christ (see John 21:20–23; Doctrine & Covenants 7). This unique detail adds to the mystique surrounding John and his enduring role in Christian tradition.
The Gospels in the New Testament Context
In the immediate aftermath of Jesus’s death and resurrection, and for many years following, each Gospel by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John circulated independently. They were written on separate scrolls and painstakingly copied by hand. It wasn’t until centuries later that these individual Gospels were compiled together with other significant writings to form the New Testament as we know it today. This historical context clarifies John’s warning in Revelation 22:18: “If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book.” This verse is often misinterpreted as preventing any further scripture beyond Revelation. However, it is more accurately understood as John cautioning against altering or adding to the specific prophecies and warnings contained within the Book of Revelation itself.
Over time, the four Gospels were joined by other essential Christian texts, such as the letters (epistles) written by Paul and other early Christian leaders. While other Apostles also produced writings, determining their authenticity and reliability has proven challenging over the centuries. When the New Testament canon was officially established, these four Gospels were recognized as uniquely authoritative and included, while other writings were not.
Following the Gospels in the New Testament is the Book of Acts, which chronicles the events after Jesus’s ascension into heaven, focusing on the early Church’s growth and missionary endeavors. Scholarly consensus attributes the authorship of Acts to Luke, making it a companion volume to his Gospel. The majority of the remaining books in the New Testament are epistles, letters offering theological instruction, encouragement, and guidance to early Christian communities. Paul authored a significant portion of these epistles, with others attributed to James, Peter, John, and Jude. The New Testament collection concludes with the Book of Revelation, authored again by John, presenting apocalyptic visions and prophecies.
Studying the Gospels: A Harmony of Voices
A valuable tool for in-depth study of the Gospels is the “Harmony of the Gospels,” often found in Bible dictionaries or study Bibles, typically following the entry for “Gospels.” This resource presents a chart aligning parallel accounts of events and teachings of Jesus across Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. By comparing these parallel accounts, readers gain a richer, more nuanced understanding of specific events or parables. For example, examining the baptism of Jesus through all four Gospel accounts reveals diverse details and perspectives. Conversely, some events, like Jesus’s appearance to Thomas after the resurrection, are uniquely recorded in John’s Gospel.
John’s Gospel stands out for its unique content; approximately 90 percent of its material is not found in the other three Gospels. Mark’s Gospel, in contrast, contains the least unique material, with only about 7 percent of its content being exclusive to Mark. Studying all four Gospels, recognizing their individual authors, intended audiences, and unique contributions, offers a multifaceted and comprehensive portrait of Jesus Christ and His enduring message.
