Lesson 1
A HARMONY OF THE GOSPELS
When we speak of "the Gospels," we are referring to the first four
books of the New Testament known as the Gospel of Matthew, the Gospel
of Mark, the Gospel of Luke and the Gospel of John; or more commonly:
Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
It is our purpose in this study to engage in a study of the
"Harmony" of the Gospels. Very few incidents in the life of Christ are
mentioned in each of these four books. Some things are mentioned in
three, or two of the books, with a few incidents mentioned in only one
of the four Gospels. The first three books, Matthew, Mark and Luke,
have more in common with each other than does John with any of them.
The Gospel of Mark closely follows the incidents of Christ in a
chronological order; thus, it is often used as the basis for a study of
the "Harmony" of the Gospels. The first three are often referred to as
the "synoptic" ("presenting or taking the same or common view")
Gospels.
THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
Author
Origin (185-254) and Irenaeus (140?-202?) accredit Matthew as the
author of this book. Originally known as Levi, Matthew was a tax
collector under Herod Antipas. Matthew tells of his call to the
apostleship in 9:9.
When Written
While we read in Matthew concerning Jesus' prophecy of the
destruction of Jerusalem (chapter 24), we do not have recorded in the
book the occurrence of that historical event (70 A.D.). Thus, Matthew
must have been written prior to that occurrence. Most scholars assign
the time of writing sometime between A.D. 55 and A.D. 70.
Its Purpose
The purpose of the book seems to be two-fold: (1) to connect the
message of the Old Testament with the gospel; and (2) to demonstrate
the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the coming of Jesus as
the Messiah, the King. It is evident that it was written for the Jewish
community.
THE GOSPEL OF MARK
Author
According to such early writers as Eusebius, Irenaeus, Clement and
Origen, John Mark is believed to be the author. John Mark lived in
Jerusalem and was the son of Mary (Acts 12:12), where people gathered
for prayer. Mark was a cousin of Barnabas (Col. 4:10).
When Written
It is not certain as to the exact time of writing, but it is
generally believed that it was written during the time he was with Paul
in Rome (Col. 4:10). It has been suggested that it would have been
sometimes between 64 A.D. and 70 A.D.
Its Purpose
Since Mark seems to be writing for Gentile readers (in particular
the Romans), it appears that he wrote mainly in order to set forth the
person and character of Jesus Christ as the Son of God (8:29; 10:47,48;
11:10; 15:22).
THE GOSPEL OF LUKE
Author
Early writers are in agreement that Luke was the author. He is the
same author that wrote the Acts of the Apostles (Lk. 1:1-4; Acts 1:1-
5). Luke was a very close companion with Paul who called Luke the
"beloved physician" (Col. 4:14). Luke was with Paul on his voyage to
Rome when Paul went as a prisoner. During Paul's imprisonment in Rome,
he wrote, "only Luke is with me" (2 Tim. 4:11). Jerome says that Luke
was a Syrian, born in Antioch. Some of the early writers say that he
had become a Jewish proselyte prior to his conversion to Christ. His
later years were spent with Paul (Acts 20:3; 28:14; 2 Tim. 4:11).
When Written
Most likely it was written around 60 A.D., during Paul's two years
imprisonment in Caesarea before going to Rome (Acts 24:27).
To Whom Written
It is addressed to an individual named Theophilus (1:3). Nothing is
known of Theophilus. Some have suggested that since the name means
"lover of God," that Luke might have been writing to a fictional
character, thus to all who love God. Others believe that Theophilus was
a Roman official.
Purpose
As stated in the book, it was written to draw up a narrative, a true
account of the life and times of Jesus Christ (1:1). He wrote for a
Gentile readership.
THE GOSPEL OF JOHN
Author
There seems to be no dispute that John, the son of Zebedee, is the
author of this gospel (Matt. 4:21-22; Mk. 1:19-20). John was a partner
with his father and brother, James, and evidently with Andrew and Peter
in the fishing business. It is believed that Salome his mother was a
sister of Mary, the mother of Jesus (Matt. 27:56; Mk. 15:40; Jno.
19:25). His family had hired servants (Mk. 1:20), and ministered to
the needs of Jesus and His disciples (Matt. 27:55-56). John had been a
disciple of John the Baptist (Jno. 1:35). He had a home in Jerusalem
(19:26-27). He refers to himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved"
(13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7, 20). He is also the author of 1 John, 2
John, 3 John, and Revelation.
When Written
It is thought that John probably wrote this book following his
return to Ephesus from Patmos, sometimes around 96 to 98 A.D. It is
believed that John wrote in Gentile surroundings and for universal
usage since he goes to some lengths to explain the feasts and custom of
the Jews to those unfamiliar with them (2:13; 4:9; 19:31).
To Whom Written
The simplicity and manner of writing indicates that the Gospel of
John was to have universal appeal and for that reason is often called
the universal gospel.
Its Purpose
The author tells us plainly the purpose of this writing: to
establish faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, "and that
believing ye might have life through His name" (20:30-31).
QUESTIONS
1. What books are referred to as the "synoptic" Gospels? _____________
__________________________________________________________________
2. Under what religious law did the things happen which are written
about in the gospels? ___________________________________
3. What had Matthew's occupation been? ______________________________
4. Was Matthew one of the apostles? _________________________
5. Explain the purpose of Matthew's gospel. __________________________
___________________________________________________________________
6. By what other name was Mark known? _______________________
7. To whom was Mark related? _____________________________________
8. When was the gospel of Mark written? ________________________
9. What was the purpose of Mark's gospel? ____________________________
___________________________________________________________________
10. What other book did Luke write? _____________________________
11. With whom was Luke a close companion? _______________________
12. To whom did Luke address his gospel? ______________________________
13. What was the purpose of Luke's gospel? ____________________________
___________________________________________________________________
14. Was Luke one of the apostles? _______________________
15. The author of John's gospel was the son of _______________________.
16. To whom does it appear that John's gospel was written? ____________
___________________________________________________________________
17. What was the purpose of John's gospel? ____________________________
___________________________________________________________________
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