Synoptic Gospels

Now we have been given a brief over view of the four Gospels of the New Testament.  The word ‘gospel’ means good news. There are four gospel accounts in the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John).

The first three gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) are sometimes called the ‘synoptic’ (same view) gospels. This is because they each cover teaching and miracles by Jesus that are also covered in another account. John, writing later, recounts Jesus’ other words and miracles that have a particular spiritual meaning.

All four gospels present Jesus as both the Son of God and son of man. They all record His baptism, the feeding of the 5,000 from five loaves and two fishes, Mary’s anointing of the Lord Jesus, His prayer in the garden of Gethsemane, His betrayal, trial, crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection. However, each writer does so in a slightly different way, recording additional details or emphasizing one aspect more than the others.

Matthew was one of the first twelve disciples of Jesus (Matthew 9:1; 10:1-4) and therefore an eye-witness; he records more of Jesus’ teaching concerning God’s heavenly kingdom than the other writers, for example the entire Sermon on the Mount.

Mark was Peter’s son (I Peter 5:13, possibly spiritual son), who wrote down what Peter said about who Jesus was, what He did, where He went and what happened; Mark’s gospel is therefore Peter’s account, an eye-witness account, written down by Mark.

Luke was a doctor and a co-worker with Paul (Colossians 4:14; Philemon v24). Because some spurious stories about Jesus were circulating, Luke decided to interview local eyewitnesses and people who had followed Jesus closely. Luke collated all the interviews into a single account, recording details not mentioned elsewhere, for example regarding the conception and birth of Jesus and Mary’s extended family, as you might expect of a doctor.

John was one of the first twelve disciples of Jesus and therefore an eyewitness (John 19:35); John brings out the spiritual significance as well as recording the practical aspects of Jesus’ works and words. John lived to be older hen the other writers. It is therefore likely that he was familiar with their accounts and wanted to supplement theirs with additional teaching and miracles by Jesus which had a bearing on the situation towards the end of the first century AD.

Since Matthew, Mark, and Luke are so similar, we are going to begin in the Book Of John.  I am not saying John is the most important book of the bible, but we need to have a starting point.  I have in a feeble way, attempted to begin with the basic over view of the bible.  I pray I have proceeded in such a way as not to cause any confusion. I also pray that you are starting to receive a better understanding of the bible and maybe something I have posted has caused you to turn your life over to God.

Anytime you have a question, just ask.  For I am genially concerned about your soul and where you will spend eternity.

So, starting with John, I will endeavor to take one chapter at a time and break down the scriptures to a point of easy understanding.  I use the King James version and to many it is difficult to understand.  I pray the posts I make will as much as a blessing to you as it will be to me to write them.

Thank you and God Bless you!