The Gospels

The four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—stand at the beginning of the New Testament, providing distinct yet complementary accounts of Jesus Christ's life, teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection. Written by two apostles (Matthew and John) and two associates of apostles (Mark and Luke), these books form the foundation of Christian faith, presenting Jesus as the promised Messiah and Savior of the world. Though they cover many of the same events, each Gospel has its own perspective, emphasis, and theological focus. Together, they offer a rich, multifaceted portrait of Jesus and his redemptive mission. Matthew, Mark, and Luke are known as the Synoptic Gospels (from Greek, meaning "seen together") because they share many of the same stories, often in the same sequence and with similar wording. They present a common view of Jesus' ministry, though each has its unique material and emphasis. John's Gospel stands apart, containing about 92% unique material and emphasizing Jesus' identity and divine nature. The Gospels have profoundly shaped Christianity and Western civilization. They provide the primary source material for understanding Jesus' life and teaching, and have inspired countless works of art, literature, and music throughout history.