The Four Gospels
Authors color key
Mark
Luke
Matthew
John
Occupations
Missionary
Physician
Tax Collector
Fisherman
Original Audience
Romans
Greeks
Jews
All People
Spoken by Christ
42%
50%
60%
50%
% Unique Material
42%
7%
59%
93%
Key Verse
Luke 19:10
John 20:31
Mark 10:45
Matthew 4:17
Who Jesus is
Servant of God
Son of Man
Promised King
Son of God
Writers Style
Storyteller
Historian
Teacher
Theologian
Significant Themes
Jesus is the Messiah because he fulfilled the OT prophecy.
Jesus backed up His words with action.
Jesus was God but also fully human.
Belief in Jesus is required for Salvation.
Date
A.D. 50-60
A.D. 50-70
A.D. 60
A.D. 80-90
Thinks that are unique to the book
Sermon on the Mount, Christ as a child
More focus on the works instead of words
Salvation of the Thief on the cross and the prodigal son
Water to wine, raising Lazarus, the "I Am" statements, Thomas' doubts, Peter's Restoration
How do they present Jesus?
A new start for humanity
As a Royal Servant
As a Greater Moses
Yahweh the God of Israel becoming human
Historical context when the book was written
The Romans subdued armed Jewish rebellions, and Christians experienced persecution in Rome
Written when the persecution of Jews and Christians was intensifying
Written after Romans had destroyed Jerusalem
Jewish leaders banned Christians from the synagogues.