What Are Gospels?

The term "Gospel" is often used in Christian circles, but what exactly does it mean? The word "Gospel" comes from the Old English word "godspel," which means "good news." In the Christian context, the Gospel refers to the good news of Jesus Christ—His life, death, and resurrection for the salvation of humanity. However, the word "Gospels" is also used to describe the first four books of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These four books provide a detailed account of Jesus' life and teachings, and they are central to Christian belief. But what are the Gospels, and why are they so important?

The word "Gospel" comes from the Old English word "godspel," which means "good news."In the Christian context, the Gospel refers to the good news of Jesus Christ—His life, death, and resurrection for the salvation of humanity.  

The Meaning of "Gospel"

At its core, the Gospel is the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Christians believe that because of humanity’s sinful nature, people are separated from God and in need of redemption. The Gospel announces that Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth to offer that redemption by dying on the cross and rising from the dead. This "good news" is that through faith in Jesus, people can be forgiven of their sins and restored to a right relationship with God.

The Apostle Paul summarizes this message in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, where he writes, "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures." This foundational Christian belief is what the Gospels aim to communicate, showing how Jesus' life, teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection fulfilled God’s plan for salvation.

The Four Canonical Gospels

When we talk about the Gospels in the Bible, we are specifically referring to the first four books of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These four books are known as the canonical Gospels because they are considered to be divinely inspired and authoritative by the early Christian church. Each of these Gospels offers a unique perspective on the life of Jesus, but together they provide a comprehensive view of His ministry, death, and resurrection.

The Gospel of Matthew

The Gospel of Matthew was written primarily for a Jewish audience and emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Throughout this Gospel, Matthew frequently points out how Jesus' life and actions fulfilled specific prophecies from the Hebrew Scriptures. For example, in Matthew 1:22-23, the virgin birth of Jesus is shown as a fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14. Matthew also presents Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the King of Israel, and the teacher of a new way of living through the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7).

The Gospel of Mark

The Gospel of Mark is widely believed to be the earliest of the four Gospels and is known for its fast-paced and action-oriented narrative. Mark focuses on the powerful deeds of Jesus, particularly His miracles and His authority over sickness, demons, and nature. For example, in Mark 4:35-41, Jesus calms a storm on the Sea of Galilee, leaving His disciples in awe of His authority over creation. Mark presents Jesus as the suffering servant who came to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). Although it is the shortest of the Gospels, Mark’s emphasis on Jesus’ power and sacrifice makes it a vital account of His life.

The Gospel of Luke

The Gospel of Luke offers a detailed and orderly account of Jesus' life and ministry. Luke, who was a physician and a companion of the Apostle Paul, writes with the intention of providing a historically accurate and thorough narrative. Luke emphasizes Jesus’ compassion for the marginalized, including the poor, women, and non-Jews. The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) and the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) are examples of how Luke highlights the inclusive nature of God’s love and forgiveness. Luke’s Gospel also underscores the role of the Holy Spirit and the importance of prayer in Jesus’ ministry.

The Gospel of John

The Gospel of John is distinct from the other three Gospels in both structure and content. While Matthew, Mark, and Luke are known as the Synoptic Gospels due to their similar structure and overlapping content, John’s Gospel takes a more theological approach. John focuses on the divinity of Jesus, referring to Him as the "Word" who was with God and was God from the beginning (John 1:1-3). John includes unique accounts not found in the other Gospels, such as Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11) and His extended conversation with Nicodemus about being "born again" (John 3:1-21). The Gospel of John also contains seven "I am" statements, where Jesus identifies Himself as essential to salvation, such as "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6).

Why Are There Four Gospels?

Many people wonder why there are four Gospels instead of just one. The answer lies in the fact that each Gospel was written to a different audience and from a different perspective, but all share the same message of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Matthew wrote to a Jewish audience, emphasizing how Jesus fulfilled the promises of the Old Testament. Mark's Gospel was likely written for a Roman audience and focuses on Jesus' actions and sacrifice. Luke wrote for a broader Gentile audience, highlighting Jesus' compassion and inclusion of all people. John's Gospel is more reflective and theological, focusing on Jesus' divinity and His role as the eternal Son of God.

Together, these four accounts provide a fuller picture of who Jesus is. They give us a more well-rounded understanding of His life, teachings, and the significance of His death and resurrection. Each Gospel complements the others, and their combined testimony serves as a powerful witness to the truth of Jesus' life and mission.

The Importance of the Gospels for Christians

For Christians, the Gospels are more than just historical accounts—they are the foundation of faith. Through the Gospels, believers come to know Jesus personally and understand His teachings. The Gospels provide insight into the heart of God and the way of salvation. They also offer examples of how to live as followers of Christ, showing His love, compassion, and humility.

The Gospels teach Christians about the kingdom of God, which Jesus came to proclaim. Jesus' parables, such as the Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32) and the Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:3-7), reveal the nature of God’s kingdom as a place of growth, mercy, and redemption. These teachings continue to guide and inspire Christians today, shaping their understanding of how to live in accordance with God’s will.

How the Gospels Were Written

The Gospels were written by four distinct authors who were either eyewitnesses to Jesus’ ministry or closely connected to the apostles. Matthew and John were both disciples of Jesus, while Mark was a companion of Peter and Luke was a companion of Paul. These authors compiled their accounts based on their own experiences, the testimony of other eyewitnesses, and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

The Gospels were written in the first century, likely between 60 and 90 A.D., within a generation of Jesus’ life. This means that the authors had access to reliable firsthand information, and many people who had witnessed Jesus’ life and miracles were still alive at the time these books were written. The early church quickly recognized these four Gospels as authoritative, and they have been preserved as Scripture ever since.

Conclusion

The Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—are the cornerstone of the Christian faith, offering a detailed and multi-faceted account of the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through these four books, Christians gain a deeper understanding of who Jesus is, why He came, and how His teachings shape the lives of believers. The Gospels provide the "good news" of salvation, showing how Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross offers forgiveness and eternal life to all who believe in Him. Each Gospel brings its own unique perspective, but together they tell the same story: the story of a Savior who came to redeem the world.