The word Gospel means good news. There is really only one Gospel, one story of Christ's life, presented in four different aspects by four different authors. The first three are called synoptic (seeing together) Gospels; they to a great extent report the same incidents and teachings. They deal chiefly with Christ's work in Galilee, referring only incidentally to his visits at Jerusalem. The fourth Gospel is a supplement to the others, dealing chiefly with his ministry in Judea. It is not the purpose of the Gospels to record a complete history of Christ's earthly career, but to record such facts as will reveal his divine nature and make clear the great object of his life and death.

I. MATTHEW.

1. The Author. Matthew, at first called Levi, was an apostle of Christ and was eyewitness to most of the incidents he relates. Before his conversion he was a publican, a tax-collector of customs and tolls on the goods and persons crossing the Sea of Galilee.

2. Date. He wrote first in Hebrew, probably as early as 45 A. D. and about 60 A. D. his gospel was translated into the Greek.

3. For Whom Written. He wrote especially for the Jews.

4. Purpose. His chief aim is to show that Jesus is the Promised Messiah. He had come as king of the Jews according to the prediction of the Old Testament, but the Jewish nation had rejected him, and therefore, they themselves were rejected from the kingdom of heaven. It is the author's aim to show that only those who have the new life in Christ are heirs of the kingdom.

II. MARK.

1. The Author. John Mark was the son of Mary, at whose home the early Christians assembled for prayer. His home was at Jerusalem, but he accompanied Barnabas and Paul on the first missionary journey but turned back at Perga. Paul refused to take him on the second journey, but he went with Barnabas to Cyprus. Paul and Mark were afterwards reconciled, for he was with Paul during his first imprisonment (Col. 4:10; Philemon 24) and during his second imprisonment Paul wrote to Timothy to bring him (2 Tim. 4:n). He was with Peter at one time (I Pet. 5:13), and perhaps much of the time Mark was brought into close touch with the leaders of the church and had ample opportunity to gather the facts of Christ's life. a. Date. About 62 A. D.

3. For Whom Written. He wrote especially for the Romans and therefore represents Christ as the Great Conqueror, in harmony with the Roman idea.

4. Purpose. Mark's purpose is to present Jesus as the Son of God. He makes the miracles prominent in order to prove Christ's divine power. He aims to present Christ's wonderful works so that all men may believe on him as the Son of God.

III. LUKE.

1. The Author. Luke was a physician (Col. 4:14) who was with Paul in some of his mission work and remained with him as a constant companion during his imprisonment at Rome, even, after all others had forsaken him. (2 Tim. 4:11.)

2. Date. About 63 A. D.

3. For Whom Written. It is addressed to Theophilus, but it is evidently intended for the Greeks.

4. Purpose. The purpose is clearly set forth in the preface itself to give assurance that Christ was given to the human race as a Savior. The world-wide character of Christianity is graphically set forth. The genealogy is traced to Adam, showing Christ's relation to all the race, not to a special family.

IV. JOHN.

1. Author. John, the beloved disciple of Jesus, was the brother of James and the son of Zebedee and Salome. He was a disciple of John the Baptist and was one of the first followers of Jesus. He was a fisherman by trade, and it was from the fishing boat that Jesus called him. He seems to have been admitted to a more intimate association with Christ than any of the rest and was thus fitted to write the most spiritual of all the Gospels.

2. Date. About 90 A. D., near the close of his life.

3. For Whom Written. For Christians of all nations.

4. Purpose. John clearly states his purpose in 20:31, "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." Life through believing is the central theme of this Gospel.

QUESTIONS.

• What does the word gospel mean?

• What are the first three books called?

• When and by whom was the first Gospel written?

• For whom and for what purpose was it written?

• Who was the author of the second Gospel, and what can you say of him?

• What does he represent Christ to be?

• What was the purpose of the second Gospel?

• Give the date and author of the third Gospel.

• For whom did Luke write?

• What was the purpose of Luke in writing?

• What is said of John, the author of the fourth book?

• Give the date and persons to whom written.

• Purpose of John in writing this book?

REVIEW.

I. Matthew.

1. The author Matthew, Levi, a tax-collector.

2. Date Hebrew, 45 A. D.; Greek, 60 A. D.

3. For whom written Jews.

4. Purpose Jesus promised Messiah.

II. Mark.

1. Author John Mark.

2. Date 62 A. D.

3. For whom written Romans; Christ the great Conqueror.

4. Purpose Jesus, the Son of God.

III. Luke.

1. Author Luke, a physician.

2. Date 63 A. D.

3. For whom written Theophilus; Greeks.

4. Purpose Jesus the Savior.

IV. John.

1. Author John.

2. Date 90 A. D.

3. For whom written all nations.

4. Purpose life through believing.