Introduction To Four Gospels

Exploring the Gospels

I. Introduction to the Gospel Message

Definition of the Gospel: The "Good News" of Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection (cf. 1 Cor. 15:1–4).

1. Old Testament Background (Hebrew Roots)

The idea of good news begins in the Old Testament with the Hebrew word:

בְּשׂוֹרָה (besorah) – “glad tidings” or “good news”

This word is often used in contexts of victory, deliverance, or God's saving acts. For example:

Isaiah 52:7 (KJV) – "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace..."
- “bringeth good tidings” = mebasser (from basar)

It often referred to the announcement of God's reign, His victory over enemies, and the restoration of His people.

2. New Testament Fulfillment (Greek Word)

In the New Testament, the word used for Gospel is:

εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion) – “good news” or “glad tidings”
- Derived from εὖ (eu) meaning good, and ἄγγελος (angelos) meaning messenger or message

This term referred in the Greco-Roman world to imperial proclamations (e.g., news of a new emperor). The apostles appropriated it for a greater proclamation: the arrival and work of Jesus Christ the King.

3. Apostolic Usage and Definition

The apostle Paul defines the Gospel concisely:

1 Corinthians 15:1–4 (KJV) –

“...I declare unto you the gospel...
how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
and that he was buried,
and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”

This shows the core of the Gospel:

The Person: Jesus the Christ, Son of God
The Events: His substitutionary death, burial, and resurrection
The Purpose: For our sins
The Proof: According to the Scriptures (both prophecy and fulfillment)

4. Summary Definition (Based on Original Languages)

The Gospel is the divinely revealed, Spirit-inspired good news (euangelion / besorah) that God has fulfilled His redemptive plan through the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, for the salvation of sinners, in accordance with Scripture.

II. Categories of the Gospels

In studying the life and ministry of Jesus Christ through Scripture, we find four inspired Gospel

A. Synoptic Gospels

1. Definition and Etymology

The term “Synoptic” is derived from two Greek words:
- “syn” meaning together or with
- “opsis” meaning view or sight
Thus, Synoptic means “seen together” or “a common view.”

2. Books Included

The three Synoptic Gospels are:
- Matthew
- Mark
- Luke

3. Reason for Grouping

These three Gospels are grouped together because they:

Share a similar narrative structure
Contain parallel stories, teachings, and events
Use similar language, often word-for-word in the Greek
Follow a generally common chronological flow

4. Biblical Example of Synoptic Parallel

To demonstrate this similarity, compare the account of the healing of the paralytic:

Matthew 9:2–8
Mark 2:1–12
Luke 5:17–26

Each account presents the same event with consistent details, though some vary in emphasis or dialogue. This overlap shows the shared perspective of the Synoptics, likely due to either shared oral traditions, divine guidance, or a common source (which some scholars call “Markan priority” or a now-lost “Q” source—but these theories must be weighed biblically and cautiously).

B. Non-Synoptic Gospel

The Gospel According to John

John’s Gospel stands apart from the Synoptics in several key ways:

1. Unique Structure and Themes

Focuses more on Jesus’ ministry in Judea than in Galilee.
Emphasizes theological discourses (e.g., Jesus' prayer in John 17) rather than parables.
Presents long conversations (e.g., with Nicodemus in John 3 or the Samaritan woman in John 4).
Introduces unique miracles (called “signs”) to reveal Christ’s identity.

2. Doctrinal Focus

Highlights Jesus’ divine identity as the Son of God and the eternal Word:

John 1:1 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
Presents Jesus as fully divine from the very start, whereas the Synoptics unfold His identity progressively.

3. Limited Overlap

Only about 8–10% of John's Gospel overlaps directly with the Synoptics.
John omits:
- Jesus’ baptism
- The institution of the Lord’s Supper
- Most parables
- Exorcisms
He includes:
- Raising of Lazarus (John 11)
- Water to wine (John 2)
- The washing of feet (John 13)

4. Purpose of John's Gospel

John 20:31 – “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”

His writing aims to produce faith and eternal life, showing Jesus as the incarnate Word who reveals the Father.

III. Purpose of the Gospels

Key Text: John 20:31 (KJV) –

“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”

1. The Divine Purpose of the Gospels

The Gospels are not simply historical biographies; they are theological documents inspired by the Holy Spirit with a specific aim: to bring men and women to saving faith in Jesus Christ and to train them in true discipleship.

A. To Present the Life of Jesus Christ

The Gospels reveal the incarnation—God becoming man (John 1:14).
They record His miracles, parables, teachings, death, and resurrection.
Jesus is presented not as a mere man but as the Messiah, Savior, and Son of God.

B. To Provoke Belief

The Gospels are written that readers may come to a personal conviction and confession that Jesus is the Christ.
Faith is not merely intellectual but heart-transforming (Romans 10:9–10).
Biblical faith rests on the truth of Christ’s identity and work as revealed in the Gospels.

“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” — Romans 10:17

2. The Goal: Salvation

"...and that believing ye might have life through his name." — John 20:31

The ultimate aim of the Gospel accounts is to lead the reader to eternal life:

Life through His name means salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9).
Eternal life is not just existence, but a relationship with God through Christ (John 17:3).
The Gospel narratives show:
- Why salvation is necessary (sin, separation from God).
- How salvation was provided (Christ’s death and resurrection).
- What salvation results in (forgiveness, reconciliation, new life).

3. The Result: Discipleship

Salvation leads to discipleship—a life of following Jesus in obedience, growth, and service.

Jesus’ call to follow is a central theme in the Synoptic Gospels (Matt. 4:19; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23).
True belief is always followed by a transformed life (Luke 6:46).
The Gospels model discipleship through:
- Jesus' own example (Mark 10:45).
- His commands and teachings (e.g., Sermon on the Mount).
- The formation of the apostles who then make disciples (Matthew 28:19–20).

4. Implications for the Reader and Teacher

The Gospels are not neutral information—they demand a response: Repent and believe.
Every believer is not just called to receive Jesus but also to follow and proclaim Him.
The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus are the foundation for faith, the source of life, and the pattern for living.

IV. Why Do We Have Four Gospels?

The existence of four distinct Gospel accounts—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—is not accidental or redundant. Instead, it is the result of God’s divine wisdom and sovereign plan to give us a complete and multifaceted portrait of Jesus Christ, His mission, and His identity. Each Gospel writer was inspired by the Holy Spirit to present a unique theological emphasis, tailored to a specific audience, while remaining in harmony with the others.

“In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.” — 2 Corinthians 13:1

1. The Purpose of Having Four Gospels

To Emphasize the Fullness of Christ: No single Gospel can exhaust the glory and depth of Jesus’ person and work.
To Address Different Audiences: Each Gospel writer tailors their account to the background and needs of their readers.
To Highlight Different Aspects of Jesus’ Ministry: King, Servant, Man, and God.
To Confirm and Strengthen the Truth: Multiple witnesses provide a trustworthy testimony (cf. Luke 1:1–4; John 20:31).

2. The Four Living Creatures in Ezekiel and Revelation

Ezekiel 1:10 (KJV) – “As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion... the face of an ox... the face of an eagle.”
Revelation 4:7 – Four living creatures around the throne with the same features.

These creatures are often interpreted as symbolic representations of Christ’s character in each Gospel:

These four together reflect the fullness of Christ: Royal, Sacrificial, Human, and Divine.

A. The Gospel of Matthew – Jesus the King

Author: Matthew (Levi), a Jewish tax collector and apostle.
Audience: Jewish readers.
Date: Likely AD 50–60.
Theme: Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah-King, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy.
Emphasis: Kingdom of Heaven, fulfillment of Scripture, Jesus as Son of David and Son of Abraham.
Key Verses: Matthew 1:1, 5:17, 28:18–20.
Structure: Alternates between narrative and five major discourses (e.g., Sermon on the Mount).
Symbol (Ezekiel): Lion – Jesus as the royal and majestic King.

B. The Gospel of Mark – Jesus the Servant

Author: John Mark, companion of Peter.
Audience: Roman Christians (Gentiles under persecution).
Date: Likely AD 50–55.
Theme: Jesus is the Suffering Servant who came to serve and save.
Emphasis: Action-oriented; frequent use of “immediately.” Few discourses, many miracles.
Key Verses: Mark 10:45, 1:1.
Structure: Fast-paced, minimal genealogy or background.
Symbol (Ezekiel): Ox – Jesus as the humble, burden-bearing Servant.

C. The Gospel of Luke – Jesus the Son of Man

Author: Luke, a Gentile physician and companion of Paul.
Audience: Greek/Gentile world (addressed to Theophilus).
Date: AD 60–62.
Theme: Jesus is the Perfect Man, the Savior of all humanity.
Emphasis: Compassion, prayer, the Holy Spirit, parables, concern for the marginalized.
Key Verses: Luke 1:1–4, 19:10.
Structure: Chronological and orderly.
Symbol (Ezekiel): Man – Jesus’ full humanity and perfect manhood.

D. The Gospel of John – Jesus the Son of God

Author: John the apostle, “the disciple whom Jesus loved.”
Audience: Believers and general public (universal).
Date: AD 85–95.
Theme: Jesus is the eternal Son of God, fully divine.
Emphasis: Belief for eternal life; uses signs, “I Am” statements, and deep theology.
Key Verses: John 1:1–14, 20:30–31.
Structure: Theological arrangement, not chronological.
Symbol (Ezekiel): Eagle – Jesus’ divine nature, soaring in heavenly revelation.

V. The Harmony and Diversity of the Gospels

1. One Christ, Four Witnesses

The four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—are divinely inspired accounts that testify to one and the same Lord Jesus Christ. They are not four different stories, but four faithful portraits of the same Person, written for different audiences, from different perspectives, with one unified purpose: that we may know, believe, and follow Jesus Christ in truth.

2. Harmony of the Gospels

A. Unity in Message

One Christ: All four evangelists present Jesus as the promised Messiah, the Son of God, and the Savior of the world.
One Gospel: They agree that salvation comes through Jesus Christ alone, by grace through faith.
No Contradictions: What may appear to be contradictions are often differences in emphasis, order, or perspective, not discrepancies in truth.
Each writer selects and arranges material under the guidance of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26; 2 Tim. 3:16).

B. Examples of Harmony

All include John the Baptist, Jesus’ baptism, miracles, teaching, crucifixion, and resurrection.
The central message is consistent: Jesus came to save sinners (Luke 19:10), fulfill prophecy (Matt. 5:17), and reveal the Father (John 1:18).

3. Diversity of the Gospels

Each Gospel gives a distinct yet complementary perspective on the person and work of Christ—like four portraits from different angles that together reveal the full beauty and majesty of Jesus.

4. Theological Lesson: Fullness in Christ

“That ye may know what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge...”
— Ephesians 3:18–19

God gave us four Gospels so that we may know His Son in fullness—not one-sidedly. Just as a diamond sparkles more beautifully when turned in the light, so Jesus' glory is magnified as we behold Him from multiple angles:

As King, we submit to His rule.
As Servant, we follow His humility.
As Man, we relate to His compassion.
As God, we worship His majesty.

VI. Gospel Criticism

1. What is Biblical Criticism?

The term “biblical criticism” refers to scholarly methods of studying and evaluating biblical texts. While it may sound negative, not all forms are inherently bad—some can serve as neutral tools. However, many forms of biblical criticism, especially when rooted in unbelief, have become tools to undermine the inspiration, authority, and reliability of Scripture. We must understand them clearly in order to refute their errors with biblical truth.

2. Types of Biblical Criticism

A. Forms of Biblical Criticism

1. Textual Criticism (Potentially Useful if Properly Used)

Goal: To compare manuscript copies of Scripture to reconstruct the most accurate original text.
Positive Aspect: Can help preserve the integrity of the biblical text when done reverently.
Danger: When misused, it can lead to doubts about the preservation of God’s Word.

Example: Comparing manuscripts of Luke’s Gospel to determine authenticity of certain verses.

2. Historical Criticism (Dangerous if Unbiblical)

Goal: Reconstruct the "historical Jesus" behind the text by using human reasoning and historical methods.
Problem: Often dismisses supernatural events (e.g., miracles, resurrection) as myths or fabrications.
Result: Undermines faith in Scripture’s divine nature and turns Jesus into a moral figure instead of the Son of God.

Example: Questioning the virgin birth or bodily resurrection based on “natural” possibilities.

3. Source Criticism

Claim: The Gospel writers did not write independently but copied from earlier unknown sources, like the hypothetical “Q source.”
Danger: Suggests that the Bible is man-made literature, not divinely inspired. It casts doubt on apostolic authorship.

Q source theory proposes a lost document behind Matthew and Luke, though no such document exists.

4. Form Criticism

Focus: Studies the period of oral tradition before the Gospels were written.
Assumption: Gospel content evolved through retelling in communities before being written.
Danger: Suggests that Gospel writers did not record history but community “faith expressions.”

This undermines the truth that the Gospel writers were eyewitnesses or close associates of eyewitnesses (Luke 1:1–4).

5. Redaction Criticism

Focus: Examines how Gospel writers allegedly edited or changed content to fit their theological agendas.
Danger: Implies the Gospel authors were not inspired, but manipulated the facts to serve doctrinal goals.

This directly challenges the doctrine of verbal inspiration (2 Tim. 3:16).

B. Dangers of Low and High Criticism

1. Low Criticism (Textual Criticism when Abused)

Can lead to questioning the preservation of Scripture.
Suggests we may never know what the original Bible truly said.

But Jesus said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matthew 24:35).

2. High Criticism (Historical, Source, Form, Redaction)

Denies divine inspiration, inerrancy, and miracles.
Promotes unbelief and human reasoning over divine revelation.
Robs the Gospels of their apostolic authority and supernatural content.
Destroys faith in Jesus’ deity, virgin birth, sinless life, atoning death, and resurrection.

C. Biblical Response to Criticism

The Bible speaks clearly and powerfully against the assumptions of these critical methods:

1. 2 Timothy 3:16

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God...”
Refutes: Human-origin theories of form/source/redaction criticism.

2. 2 Peter 1:20–21

“...no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation... but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
Refutes: The idea that Gospel writers manipulated or invented stories.

3. Psalm 119:89

“Forever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.”
Refutes: Claims that the Bible’s text evolved or is uncertain.

D. Trust the Inspired Gospels

Rather than embracing skepticism, we must stand firm in faith, trusting that:

God has spoken through His Word.
The Gospel writers were faithful instruments of the Holy Spirit.
The Gospels are historically reliable, theologically true, and eternally relevant.

Let students see that modern criticism is not intellectual depth, but often spiritual unbelief disguised as scholarship. Our confidence must rest not in human speculation, but in the unchanging Word of God.

VII. The Divine Inspiration and Preservation of the Gospels

Understanding the origin and endurance of the Gospels is foundational to trusting them as God’s Word. This topic explores two great doctrines: Inspiration and Preservation—the twin pillars that guarantee the truth, authority, and reliability of the Gospels throughout all generations.

1. Divine Inspiration of the Gospels

What is Inspiration?
Inspiration refers to the supernatural influence of the Holy Spirit upon the human authors of Scripture, causing them to write exactly what God intended—without error, omission, or addition.

A. Biblical Definition of Inspiration

2 Peter 1:21 – "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."

The Gospels are not man’s religious reflections or traditions.
The authors did not invent or fabricate stories about Jesus.
They were “moved” (Greek: pherōmenoi)—carried along, directed, and controlled by the Holy Spirit.

B. The Nature of Inspiration

Verbal – Every word is inspired (not just ideas).

Matthew 5:18 – "One jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass..."
Plenary – All parts of Scripture, including historical and genealogical portions, are equally inspired.

2 Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God...”
Inerrant – Inspired Scripture is without error in its original manuscripts.

John 17:17 – “Thy word is truth.”

C. Inspiration in the Gospels

Matthew writes under inspiration to prove Jesus is the promised Messiah.
Mark reveals the power and action of the Servant King.
Luke records an orderly, researched account by the Spirit’s guidance (Luke 1:3).
John selects signs and teachings so readers may believe and live (John 20:31).

The Gospels, though differing in style and emphasis, all flow from the same divine Source—the Holy Spirit.

2. Divine Preservation of the Gospels

What is Preservation?
Preservation is the doctrine that God has not only inspired His Word but has also preserved it through time, ensuring that it remains accessible, accurate, and authoritative for every generation.

A. Biblical Promise of Preservation

Psalm 12:6–7 – “The words of the LORD are pure words... Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.”

Isaiah 40:8 – “The word of our God shall stand for ever.”

Matthew 24:35 – “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”

God’s promise is not just to inspire the Word once, but to preserve it always.

B. Historical Preservation of the Gospels

Early Manuscripts – Thousands of ancient Greek manuscripts attest to the accuracy of the Gospels over time.
Faithful Transmission – Despite persecution, copying errors, or attempted suppression, the Gospel text has been providentially preserved by scribes, churches, and councils.
Sovereign Protection – Despite attacks by critics and heretics, God has superintended history to keep the Gospels intact.

Even in times of darkness, such as during Rome’s persecution or Enlightenment skepticism, the Gospels survived untouched in essence and power.

C. Theological Implication

Because of divine inspiration, the Gospels are true.
Because of divine preservation, the Gospels are trustworthy.

Without preservation, inspiration would be irrelevant—but God has secured both.

3. Encouragement to the Student

You do not study human writings about Christ—you study God’s testimony about His Son.
The Gospels are not evolving stories—they are the settled, revealed truth of heaven.
In a world of lies, cling to the inspired and preserved Gospel that tells you who Jesus truly is.

VIII. Goals and Outcomes of this Course

To defend the trustworthiness of the Gospels.
To strengthen students' faith in the Word of God.
To equip students with tools to rightly interpret the Gospels.
To exalt Christ by revealing His life, death, and resurrection through the lenses of the evangelists.

IX. Conclusion and Student Provocation

As we embark on this course, remember: these are not just writings; they are divine testimonies of the Savior of the world. You are being invited to witness Christ through the inspired eyes of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Let us approach this study not as critics, but as worshipers, learners, and heralds of the glorious Gospel.

“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” — John 5:39