Author : Keith Sharp
The word translated “gospel” in the New Testament means good news. This term is used to describe the entire message which came through Christ, the New Testament (Galatians 1:6-12). However, the books which record the life of Jesus – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John – are popularly called “the Four Gospels.” They are the only authoritative sources of information on virtually all the life of Christ. These books are the only accurate records of the historical facts of His life, particularly of His ministry, and the primary records of what He taught. Their overall purpose is stated by John near the close of His account:
“… these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:31).
Differences in AccountsWhy are there four books in the New Testament which tell the story of the life of Christ? And why are there so many differences between them? In the first place, were there no differences between them, there would be no real need for four different accounts. Further, although each writer was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write his book (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 2:9-13), the Spirit of God did not use them as machines, but allowed their differences as persons to be expressed in their writings. Each inspired writer has his own style and peculiarities. Further, since Matthew and John were eye witnesses of Jesus (cf. 1 John 1:1-3), and since Mark and Luke record what other witnesses testified (cf. Luke 1:1-4), each writer expressed the different perspectives one would expect from honest witnesses. Also, each writer had his own peculiar purpose in writing. There are differences in details, which again would be expected between honest witnesses, that infidels use to try to discredit the accounts as contradictory to each other. But these “alleged discrepancies” can be adequately explained without casting doubt on the accuracy of the accounts.
Relationship of First Three AccountsMatthew, Mark and Luke are usually grouped together as the “Synoptic Gospels.” The word “synoptic” is from a Greek word meaning “to see together.” These writers followed a common view or approach to the life of Christ. They approach his life as a history, primarily of his public ministry in Galilee, giving emphasis to miracles, parables and public discourses. They record the most important facts of the life of Jesus.
