Why the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John Were Chosen for the Bible

The four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are central to the Christian faith, each offering a unique perspective on the life, teachings, and mission of Jesus Christ. These narratives were selected for inclusion in the Christian Bible for several compelling reasons, related to the writers' respective audiences, contexts, and emphasized theological themes.

Matthew: A Gospel for the Jews

Matthew was written by a Jew for Jewish audiences, emphasizing Jesus as the rightful heir to the throne of Judah and the expected Messiah.[1]

Key themes and unique elements in Matthew include:

Genealogy tracing back to Abraham, affirming Jesus' rightful lineage.[2] A strong focus on the kingdom of heaven, representing Jesus' coming rule as King, distinct from the kingdom of God mentioned by Mark and Luke.[3] References to the 3 Magi visiting the baby Jesus to honor Him as the future king, with the story of Herod's attempt to kill this future king, foreshadowing His ultimate authority.[4]

Mark: A Gospel for the Romans

Mark, written by a Roman for Roman readers, portrayed Jesus as the perfect servant.[5]

The key themes and unique elements in Mark include:

Much action and fewer words, appealing to the Roman taste for action over words.[6] Jesus as the face of the Ox or cherubim in the vision of the four-faced beast, emphasizing the glory of service over being served.[7] Highlighting Jesus' ultimate sacrifice on the cross as the perfect servant, fulfilling the divine plan.[8]

Luke: A Gospel for the Greeks

Luke was authored by a Greek for Greek readers, focusing on Jesus as the perfect man.[9]

The unique aspects of Luke include:

Abraham ancestry in the genealogy to prove His redemption for Adam's race through His sacrificial blood.[10] Emphasis on the story of Mary and Joseph, detailing the virgin birth of Jesus to showcase His humanity.[11]

John: A Gospel for the Christians

John, written by a Christian for other Christians, described Jesus as the Word or God.[12]

Key themes and unique elements in John include:

The face of the eagle in the vision of the four-faced beast symbolizing His transcendence over creation.[13] John's focus on Jesus' discussions with religious leaders and His declaration, ldquo;before Abraham was, I AMrdquo;, affirming His self-existence and divinity.[14]

Footnotes

1. Matthew presented Jesus as the heir to the throne of Judah, aligning with Jewish expectations of the Messiah.

2. Matthew traced the genealogy back to Abraham to emphasize Jesus' rightful lineage.

3. Matthew highlighted the kingdom of heaven, while Mark and Luke focused on the kingdom of God.

4. Matthew detailed the visit of the Magi and Herod's attempt to kill the infant Jesus, foreshadowing His divine authority.

5. Mark emphasized Jesus as the perfect servant, appealing to Roman values.

6. Mark included much action, reflecting Roman interests.

7. Mark highlighted the glory of service in Jesus' character.

8. Mark emphasized the sacrificial nature of Jesus' death.

9. Luke emphasized Jesus' humanity through His genealogy and birth.

10. Luke traced the genealogy back to Adam to underscore Jesus' role in the human race's salvation.

11. Luke detailed Mary's miraculous birth of Jesus.

12. John described Jesus as the Word or God, emphasizing His divine nature.

13. John emphasized Jesus' transcendent nature through the eagle in the vision of the four-faced beast.

14. John highlighted Jesus' divine declaration, ldquo;before Abraham was, I AMrdquo;.