Canonical gospels

Canonical Gospels

The Canonical Gospels are the four books of the New Testament that describe the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These gospels are considered "canonical" because they are included in the canon of the New Testament and are regarded as authoritative by most Christian traditions. The four canonical gospels are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Overview

The canonical gospels are central to the Christian faith and are the primary sources of information about the life and teachings of Jesus. Each gospel presents a unique perspective on Jesus' life and mission, and together they provide a comprehensive account of his ministry.

The Four Gospels

Gospel of Matthew

The Gospel of Matthew is traditionally attributed to Matthew the Apostle, a tax collector who became one of Jesus' twelve apostles. This gospel emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and presents him as the new Moses. It contains the Sermon on the Mount and many parables.

Gospel of Mark

The Gospel of Mark is considered the earliest of the four gospels and is attributed to John Mark, a companion of Peter. It is the shortest gospel and is characterized by its fast-paced narrative. Mark focuses on the actions of Jesus and presents him as the suffering servant.

Gospel of Luke

The Gospel of Luke is attributed to Luke the Evangelist, a physician and companion of Paul. This gospel emphasizes Jesus' compassion and concern for the marginalized, including women, the poor, and sinners. It contains the Parable of the Good Samaritan and the Parable of the Prodigal Son.

Gospel of John

The Gospel of John is distinct from the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) and is attributed to John the Apostle. It focuses on the divinity of Jesus and includes long discourses and "I am" statements. The gospel begins with the famous prologue, "In the beginning was the Word."

Historical Context

The canonical gospels were written in the first century AD, with Mark generally considered the earliest, written around 70 AD, and John the latest, written around 90-100 AD. They were composed in Greek and reflect the theological and pastoral concerns of the early Christian communities.

Canonization Process

The process of canonization involved the recognition of certain texts as authoritative and inspired. By the end of the second century, the four gospels were widely accepted in the Christian community. The Muratorian Fragment, an early list of New Testament writings, includes all four gospels.

Significance

The canonical gospels are foundational to Christian theology and liturgy. They are read and studied in churches worldwide and have been the subject of extensive theological reflection and scholarly analysis.

See Also

• Synoptic Gospels
• New Testament Apocrypha
• Historical Jesus

References

• Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History
• Irenaeus, Against Heresies

External Links

• Bible Gateway
• Early Christian Writings