Why Four Gospels?
Among the many....
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Since there's been some talk on JU recently about the integrity of the gospels I thought I'd touch on it lightly here and also since somewhere along the way I promised I would. Of course I can't remember to who but a promise is a promise!!
What are the gospels?
Gospel means "good news." Of course this good news is the record of salvation that has been opened to mankind through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are sort of like biographies as we understand that literary form today. Mostly, they were written that people might know who Jesus was and believe in Him. Of course you have to read them to be convinced of this. Sad to say, many don't take the time but only listen to what others have to say about them.
Why Did the Gospels Need to Be Written?
The rapid spread of Christianity precipitated the need for written accounts of the life of Christ. As major figures to the stories and eyewitnesses began to die, there was an increasing need for written accounts of what they had seen and heard. Each gospel has a distinctive pupose. Each had a different audience to whom it was written for. These writings were carefully copied and sent out to the new churches cropping up all over and were used of early Christian worship.
Why Four Gospels?
Although there were numerous other gospel accounts written, only four were chosen and deemed worthy to be included in the New Testament. The other gospels were written later and are of doubtful reliability. These other gospels while including some information that the original four had they also lend themselves to obviously fanciful and legendary tales. They often tried to bolster heretical viewpoints. The early church distinguished these gospels from the true ones and regarded the apocryphal ones as of much lesser importance. One very important criteria used in the selection process was that the Four Gospels were written by Apostles or by a close associate. Later church councils confirmed what had already been accepted by the early church. They believed only these four were authentic and included them in the canon, or collection of books, recognized as inspired and authoritative.
The Gospels were written to the four general groups of people in the first century. Matthew was written for the Jews; Mark for the Romans; Luke for the other Gentiles; and John for Christians.
What Are the Synoptic Gospels?
The first three, Matthew, Mark & Luke present much similar material about the life of Christ. They have more or less a common view of the events, places, teachings and chronology of events. That's why they are called the Synoptic Gospels (from synopsis, a viewing together). John on the other hand is a bit different. Much of his material is unique in comparison to the other three. His gospel deals more with the deity of Christ where the others on his humanity.
These four gospels with their differences supplement each other without contradiction and the similarities complement each other. The result is a comprehensive fourfold record of the redemptive ministry of Jesus Christ.
A fascinating read all of them. I encourage everyone to read them at least once in their lifetime. Why not start today?
.
What are the gospels?
Gospel means "good news." Of course this good news is the record of salvation that has been opened to mankind through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are sort of like biographies as we understand that literary form today. Mostly, they were written that people might know who Jesus was and believe in Him. Of course you have to read them to be convinced of this. Sad to say, many don't take the time but only listen to what others have to say about them.
Why Did the Gospels Need to Be Written?
The rapid spread of Christianity precipitated the need for written accounts of the life of Christ. As major figures to the stories and eyewitnesses began to die, there was an increasing need for written accounts of what they had seen and heard. Each gospel has a distinctive pupose. Each had a different audience to whom it was written for. These writings were carefully copied and sent out to the new churches cropping up all over and were used of early Christian worship.
Why Four Gospels?
Although there were numerous other gospel accounts written, only four were chosen and deemed worthy to be included in the New Testament. The other gospels were written later and are of doubtful reliability. These other gospels while including some information that the original four had they also lend themselves to obviously fanciful and legendary tales. They often tried to bolster heretical viewpoints. The early church distinguished these gospels from the true ones and regarded the apocryphal ones as of much lesser importance. One very important criteria used in the selection process was that the Four Gospels were written by Apostles or by a close associate. Later church councils confirmed what had already been accepted by the early church. They believed only these four were authentic and included them in the canon, or collection of books, recognized as inspired and authoritative.
The Gospels were written to the four general groups of people in the first century. Matthew was written for the Jews; Mark for the Romans; Luke for the other Gentiles; and John for Christians.
What Are the Synoptic Gospels?
The first three, Matthew, Mark & Luke present much similar material about the life of Christ. They have more or less a common view of the events, places, teachings and chronology of events. That's why they are called the Synoptic Gospels (from synopsis, a viewing together). John on the other hand is a bit different. Much of his material is unique in comparison to the other three. His gospel deals more with the deity of Christ where the others on his humanity.
These four gospels with their differences supplement each other without contradiction and the similarities complement each other. The result is a comprehensive fourfold record of the redemptive ministry of Jesus Christ.
A fascinating read all of them. I encourage everyone to read them at least once in their lifetime. Why not start today?
.