Gospels

Definition

The gospels are the first four books of the New Testament in the Christian Bible: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. They provide accounts of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and they serve as foundational texts for Christian faith and theology. Each gospel presents a unique perspective on Jesus’ message and the significance of his actions, particularly in relation to the concept of salvation and the establishment of God's kingdom.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Each gospel has a distinct audience and purpose; for example, Matthew emphasizes Jesus' fulfillment of Jewish prophecy, while John focuses on his divine nature.
2. The Gospel of Mark is considered the earliest written gospel, believed to have been composed around 65-70 AD, influencing the other gospels.
3. The gospels not only narrate events from Jesus' life but also include theological reflections on their significance for believers.
4. The accounts of Jesus’ resurrection are a central theme in all four gospels, highlighting the belief in eternal life and hope for believers.
5. In addition to narrative elements, the gospels contain discourses where Jesus teaches about love, forgiveness, and the coming kingdom of God.

Review Questions

• Compare and contrast the approaches taken by the Synoptic Gospels and the Gospel of John in presenting Jesus’ identity.
  • The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) share similar stories and themes that often highlight Jesus’ humanity and his role as a teacher. They emphasize events in Jesus’ life and his interactions with people. In contrast, the Gospel of John presents a more theological perspective, focusing on Jesus' divine nature and emphasizing his pre-existence as the Word of God. John's unique style includes lengthy discourses that articulate deep spiritual truths about faith and eternal life.
• Discuss how the themes found in the gospels relate to the broader concept of eschatology within Christianity.
  • The gospels incorporate eschatological themes by discussing the Kingdom of God and its arrival through Jesus’ ministry. They present teachings that anticipate future fulfillment when God's reign will be fully realized. Parables like the Good Samaritan or the Prodigal Son illustrate values of compassion and forgiveness that are essential for life in God's kingdom. This connection shows how belief in Jesus leads to hope for ultimate redemption and transformation at the end times.
• Evaluate how the distinct perspectives of each gospel writer shape our understanding of Jesus’ mission and message.
  • Each gospel writer brings a unique perspective influenced by their audience, cultural context, and theological goals. For instance, Matthew aims to demonstrate Jesus as the Jewish Messiah through fulfilled prophecies, while Luke highlights social justice and inclusion. John's focus on Jesus as divine encourages believers to understand faith's transformative power. By considering these distinct viewpoints, we gain a richer understanding of Jesus’ mission as multifaceted—encompassing fulfillment of prophecy, social renewal, and spiritual enlightenment.

Related terms

Synoptic Gospels: The first three gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—that share similar content and structure, allowing for comparative study.

Christology:

The branch of theology that focuses on the nature and work of Christ, particularly his divinity and humanity as depicted in the gospels.

Parables: Simple stories used by Jesus in the gospels to convey moral or spiritual lessons, illustrating deeper truths about God's kingdom.