Background Information
The Bible consists of an old and new testament, divided into books and sub-sections. The New Testament includes the Four Gospels. Gospels are books which tell the story of Jesus’ life and his impact on people. They are written by some of his followers, known as the Four Evangelists. These include Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. They are placed near the beginning of the New Testament and are followed by the Book of Acts, letters, and the Book of Revelation. The Four Gospels are some of the most read books of the New Testament and they lay the foundation of many aspects of Christianity.
Gospel Definition
The word gospel literally means “good news”. It conveys the message that salvation and redemption can be found in Jesus Christ. The Four Gospels contain the stories of Jesus’ birth, life, death and resurrection, with each Evangelist providing a slightly different perspective.
Varying Context
Matthew is a Jew writing for a Jewish audience, so his version focuses heavily on Messianic prophecy and connecting Jesus with the Jewish history. Mark is believed to be the oldest account, and works to dispel doubts about Jesus’ divinity while establishing him as the servant king. Luke’s account is one of the more detailed, covering more of Jesus’ thoughts and interactions. He wrote with a gentile audience in mind, engaging philosophical ideas and including more of Jesus’ parables. John’s account is the most poetic and focuses on deep theological ideas, making a case why anyone should believe in Jesus’ divine nature and mission.
Accounts of the Gospels
The four Gospels convey different facts and stories about Jesus’ earthly life. Much of what we learn about Jesus comes from the accounts of these books. We learn about Jesus’ teachings, miracles, parables, and other aspects of his ministry. The Gospels also teach us about Jesus’ relationships with God and with man, as well as about his compassion for everyone.
Just four Gospels?
Many people wonder if there are more gospels than the four we find in the Bible. The answer is both yes and no. There are many non-canonical gospels that were written outside the authority of the Church and do not have the same level of authenticity as the biblical gospels. However, it is important to note that these works add nothing of major consequence to our knowledge of Jesus and his teachings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bible contains four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Each presents a slightly different perspective and contributes to our knowledge of Jesus’ life and ministry here on Earth. The four Gospels have served as the foundation for Christianity and have been the source of faith, inspiration and guidance for millions of believers over the centuries.
Christology
Christology is the branch of theology devoted to the study of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. It is a complex and fascinating field that explores all aspects of Jesus’ teachings, including the Gospels. Many theologians have devoted their time and effort to contrasting and comparing the four Gospels, searching for new answers and understanding, in order to gain more knowledge of who Jesus is and how he interacted with his disciples and those around him.
Hermeneutics
The study of the Gospels within the greater context of the Bible is known as hermeneutics. Those interpreting the Gospels seek to discover the meaning behind the words, phrases, and events that make up the narrative. This task of interpretation takes into account the original cultural context as well as other ancient texts, secondary sources, and patterns of thought and belief of the time. That way, readings of the same passage can provide different layers of insight and nuance.
Modern Appreciation of the Gospels
Today, the Gospels remain the most popular section of the Bible, due to the powerful stories and teachings that are contained in them. Because of its enduring relevance, the Gospels continue to serve as a critical foundation for the many interpretations and religious traditions that are part of the Christian faith today. Due to their universal themes and messages of hope, faith, and love, the Gospels also have great appeal outside the Christian faith.
Interpretation on the Digital Platform
The growth of digital platforms have made it easier than ever to access and learn more about the Bible, including the Gospels. Various websites and mobile apps, such as Bible Gateway and Bible.com, provide up-to-date interpretations of all the books in the Bible, allowing users to read and understand the Gospels quickly and conveniently. Additionally, digital media platforms provide users with the ability to listen to and watch audio and video sermons that explore the Gospels at a deeper level.
Applications Today
Jesus’ life and teachings continue to be vitally relevant to modern life. The Gospels can offer profound insight into moral principles, ethical values and spiritual growth. They can also provide much-needed encouragement and hope for individuals who desperately need it. In difficult times, the Gospels remind us of the promises and assurance of salvation, bringing us closer to our Heavenly Father and the hope of a better world.
