by Andrew Koslosky KGCHS, Contributing Writer
The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are the cornerstone of Christianity offering unique perspectives on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Authored by four distinct individuals, each Gospel writer brings their own background, audience, theological emphasis, and style, contributing to a portrait of the life and mission of Jesus. But what do we know about these authors? Today we will examine the identity, background, and contributions of each Gospel author.
We will try to provide insight and some clarity into their roles, as authors of the Gospels which would shape Christianity and the Church throughout its history.
The Gospel of Matthew is traditionally attributed to Matthew, known as Levi, and one of Jesus’ twelve Apostles. The Early church fathers associate Matthew’s name with this Gospel. It is generally believed that Matthew was a Jewish Christian with strong command of the Hebrew and Jewish traditions. He was a tax collector, a profession often despised by fellow Jews due to its association with Roman occupation and perceived greed.
As a tax collector, Matthew likely had access to both the high Jewish society and Roman administrative circles, offering him a unique perspective and insight. It also afforded him great contacts. His background suggests he was well-versed in Jewish law, customs, and scripture. Matthew likely wrote for a predominantly Jewish-Christian audience, emphasizing Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
His writings speak of The Messiahship of Jesus, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the inclusion of Gentiles into God’s covenant. He traces Jesus’ lineage to Abraham, affirming his Jewish roots. He talks of extensive teachings such as the Sermon on the Mount and numerous parables.
Organized around The Five Discourses, reminiscent of the Torah’s five books, he emphasized Jesus’ role as a new Moses. It presents Jesus’ teachings in an organized manner, providing a framework for understanding His message.
The purpose of this structure is to facilitate the future teaching and comprehension of Jesus’ teachings, guiding believers in their spiritual journey and discipleship.
According to the U.S. Conference of Bishops, the traditional belief by the majority of scholars is the following: “The ancient tradition that the author was the disciple and Apostle of Jesus named Matthew is untenable because the Gospel is based, in large part, on the Gospel according to Mark (almost all the verses of that Gospel have been utilized in this), and it is hardly likely that a companion of Jesus would have followed so extensively an account that came from one who admittedly never had such an association rather than rely on his own memories.”
Indeed, I do agree with this summary. As for when Matthew wrote his Gospel, it is most likely that he did so in the 50s or 60s of the first century.
Historically, Matthew records Jesus’ prophecy that Jerusalem would fall, with the burning of the city (cf. Mt 22:7) and the destruction of the Temple (cf. Mt 24:2). However, when Jerusalem and the Temple were destroyed in the year 70, there is no mention of it in his Gospel.
Matthew’s Gospel establishes Jesus as the promised Messiah, aligning Jesus’ life and teachings with Jewish expectations. It underscores continuity between Jewish tradition and Christian belief, serving as a bridge between the two.
The Gospel of Mark is traditionally attributed to John Mark, a companion of the Apostle St. Peter. Early church figures identify Mark as Peter’s companion, writing down the Apostle’s eyewitness accounts. Mark’s close association with Peter suggests he had access to firsthand testimonies about Jesus’ life and ministry. He is considered a significant early Christian missionary and scribe.
The major themes of his Gospel had to do with the suffering and service of Jesus, the authority of Jesus, and the call to discipleship. He was not one of the original Apostles.
This shortest of the New Testament Gospels is likely the first to have been written. It often tells of Jesus’ ministry in more detail than either Matthew or Luke.
Traditionally, the Gospel is said to have been written shortly before A.D. 70 in Rome, at a time of impending persecution and when destruction loomed over Jerusalem. Modern research often proposes a timeline shortly after the year 70. Papias of Hierapolis (ca. A.D. 135) stands out as an influential early Christian leader who diligently sought accurate accounts from those who had direct contact with the Apostles.
Papias references Mark and Matthew in his writings, attributing Mark’s Gospel to the preaching of the Apostle Peter and affirming that Matthew penned his Gospel in the Hebrew language. This testimony strengthens confidence in the historical and faithfulness of the Gospel accounts, confirming the biblical principle that Scripture is rooted in eyewitness evidence. Mark’s Gospel presents Jesus as the Suffering Servant and the Son of God who endures hardships.
Its vivid imagery and sense of urgency profoundly influence Christian understanding of Jesus’ suffering and atonement.
The Gospel of Luke is attributed to St. Luke, a physician and a companion of St. Paul. The opening chapter states that the author carefully investigated and compiled his account, indicating he was a meticulous historian.
As a physician, Luke likely possessed Greek education and attention to detail. His connection and travels with Paul suggest he traveled extensively and interviewed many witnesses. Luke’s story of Jesus and the church is dominated by a historical perspective. Early Christian tradition, such as Irenaeus (late 2nd century AD), identifies the author of this Gospel and of the Acts of the Apostles as St. Luke.
The author was acquainted with the destruction of the city of Jerusalem by the Romans in A.D. 70, the Gospel of Luke is dated by most scholars after that date. Most historians propose A.D. 80–90 as the time of its composition. St. Luke’s purpose in crafting this Gospel was to provide an orderly and carefully researched historical account of the life and ministry of Jesus, a purpose also stated plainly in Luke’s prologue.
Luke’s Gospel emphasizes Jesus’ compassion and the inclusive nature of His message. It sets a tone of hope for all people and underscores the universal scope of Christ’s salvation.
The Gospel of John is traditionally attributed to John, the “beloved disciple,” one of Jesus’ closest Apostles and a member of His inner circle. John was the son of Zebedee, a Galilean fisherman, and Salome. John and his brother St. James the Great were among the first Apostles called by Jesus. Early church tradition confirms this Gospel directly to John.
Historians believe that the final editing of the Gospel in its present form dates from between A.D. 90 and 100.
St. John’s Gospel is highly theological, emphasizing Jesus’ Divine nature. The incarnation of Jesus, eternal life, the identity of Christ, and the spiritual nature of salvation are the major themes of his Gospel.
The Gospel according to John takes a different approach in character from the three Synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. The variations in chronology and teaching content do not conflict with the Synoptics, in fact, they magnify the truth of Jesus’ ministry and mission. John’s inclusion of extended discourses and the “I Am” statements underscore the core truth that Jesus is, indeed, the Messiah and the eternal Son of God, just as the Synoptics affirm through their own perspectives.
By using the phrase “I Am,” Jesus boldly claims oneness with God, signifying His divine nature. In Jewish culture, the phrase “I am” was associated with God’s proclamation to Moses from the burning bush in Exodus 3:14. Jesus’ intentional use of this phrase demonstrates His authority and establishes Him as the promised Messiah. St. John the Evangelist, as he would later be called, also wrote three Epistles and the Book of Revelation.
St. John, “the beloved disciple”, is the only Apostle who wasn’t Martyred. Historical accounts of the final years of John claim that an emperor who persecuted Christians ordered him to be thrown into a pot of boiling oil, but the Apostle was left unharmed and without even a mark on his skin when he was pulled out of the pot.
The Emperor, Domitian, then banished him to the Greek Isle of Patmos. He later returned to Ephesus, Greece upon Domitian’s death, where he lived to a very old age and died around the year 100.
St. John’s Gospel deepens our understanding of Jesus as both Divine and human, emphasizing faith and the spiritual relationship believers have with Christ. Its spiritual depth has profoundly influenced Christian doctrine.
The abundance of manuscript evidence, archaeological discoveries, historical corroborations, and theological consistency with the Synoptics, work together to confirm that St. John’s Gospel is both accurate historically and Divinely inspired.
In summary, the four Gospel authors, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John each contributed a unique perspective to enrich our understanding of Jesus Christ and The Word of God.
In our Journey of faith, we often seek guidance and direction. God’s Word serves as a roadmap for our lives, pointing us in the right direction. When we commit to studying the scriptures, we find clarity in our decisions and strength in our trials. The teachings of the Bible, particularly the Gospels, encourage us to be vigilant and discerning in a world that often feels chaotic.
By prioritizing the importance of God’s Word, we can better navigate life’s twists and turns, fostering peace and assurance in our hearts. So let me issue a challenge to you.
Why not take some time to read the four Gospels. You might name the reading, The Mission: The Life, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Pray for the Holy Spirit to sit in with you. I am confident you will have a much better understanding of where your life is, where it should be and how to get there.
Peace my Brothers and Sisters until next week…
