Why are there four gospels?
In the New Testament of the Holy Bible, there are four accounts of the Gospel. Each one presents the story of Jesus Christ from a different perspective. These are not four separate stories but four complete views of the same person. All of them affirm that Jesus is the Son of God, that He is God Himself, that He performed miracles, was crucified, and rose again. They record the life, teachings, and mission of Jesus in detail.
Just like eyewitnesses of a crime or accident each tell the story from their own point of view, the Gospel writers did the same. In fact, in police work, if every witness says the exact same thing, it may be a sign they are lying. The diversity in perspective gives credibility.
The four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—are four different testimonies to the Good News.
- Matthew, a former tax collector, focused on Jesus’ teachings and how they fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament.
- Mark, a disciple of Peter, emphasised Jesus’ actions, including His healing and miracle-working power.
- Luke, a physician, highlighted Jesus’ compassion for the poor and outcasts, showing His humanity. Luke also wrote the book of Acts, describing the early church. His accounts are detailed and supported by archaeology.
- John, in his Gospel, focused on Jesus’ divinity and the concept of eternal life through faith in Him. John also wrote several letters and the final book of the New Testament, Revelation.
In Summary: The reason for the four Gospels is to give different perspectives on Jesus’ life, teachings, and mission. Each Gospel was written for a different audience and carries a unique message. Together, they offer a complete and powerful picture of who Jesus is. The testimonies complement each other.
Would you like to read a gospel for yourself?
