New Testament

The Gospels

The four accounts of Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection.

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.

Books in The Gospels

Matthew

Matthew, written by the apostle and former tax collector Matthew (also called Levi), presents Jesus as the promised Messiah and King of the Jews. It emphasizes how Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies and includes extensive teachings, organized into five major discourses.

28 chapters

Key Events:

  • Genealogy of Jesus
  • Sermon on the Mount
  • Kingdom Parables
  • Transfiguration
  • Last Supper
  • Crucifixion
  • Great Commission

Mark

Mark, likely written by John Mark (a companion of Peter), presents Jesus as the suffering servant who came to give his life as a ransom for many. It is the shortest and most action-oriented Gospel, moving quickly from one event to another with an emphasis on Jesus' deeds rather than his teachings.

16 chapters

Key Events:

  • John's Baptism
  • Calling of Disciples
  • Miracles and Healings
  • Peter's Confession
  • Suffering Predictions
  • Triumphal Entry
  • Empty Tomb

Luke

Luke, written by the physician and historian Luke (a companion of Paul), presents Jesus as the compassionate Savior of all people. It emphasizes Jesus' ministry to the marginalized—women, Gentiles, the poor, and social outcasts—and contains the most detailed account of Jesus' birth and early life.

24 chapters

Key Events:

  • Annunciation
  • Birth in Bethlehem
  • Parables of Mercy
  • Journey to Jerusalem
  • Last Supper
  • Trial and Crucifixion
  • Road to Emmaus

John

John, written by the apostle John, presents Jesus as the divine Word made flesh and emphasizes his deity and eternal existence. It is more theological and reflective than the Synoptic Gospels, containing extended discourses and focusing on Jesus' identity as the Son of God.

21 chapters

Key Events:

  • Word Became Flesh
  • Wedding at Cana
  • Nicodemus Conversation
  • Woman at Well
  • Seven "I AM" Statements
  • Upper Room Discourse
  • Resurrection Appearances

Key Information

Alternative Names

The Four Gospels, Good News, Evangelists

Authors

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John

Time Period Written

c. AD 50-95

Events Covered

c. 5 BC - AD 33

Total Chapters

89 chapters across four books

Key Themes

Jesus as Messiah

Kingdom of God

Sacrificial Death

Resurrection

Discipleship

Eternal Life

Jesus' Divinity

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