The Four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
The New Testament portion of the Bible opens with four separate books that recount the life of Jesus Christ: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These four convey the same events from different perspectives. This page introduces, neutrally, the character of each Gospel, the differences among them and the idea of the "Synoptic Gospels"; afterward you can begin reading all four here for free.
What are the four Gospels?
The four Gospels are Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Each recounts the life, teaching, death and resurrection of Jesus, yet each was written for a different audience and with a different emphasis. For this reason they complement one another and, read together, offer a fuller picture.
What is distinctive about each Gospel
Matthew is an orderly account that stresses Jesus' teaching and its links to earlier prophecy. Mark is the shortest of the four, conveying events in a swift, vivid, action-oriented style. Luke offers a detailed, orderly historical narrative in which compassion, prayer and concern for the marginalized stand out. John, in a style distinct from the others, is a deeper, more reflective account focused on the identity and discourses of Jesus.
What does "Synoptic Gospels" mean?
Matthew, Mark and Luke are often called the "Synoptic Gospels." The word "synoptic" means "seeing together, with a common view," because these three convey events and sayings in a largely similar order and content. John, by its structure and style, differs markedly from the three and is therefore usually considered separately.
Why are there four separate Gospels?
Having four separate Gospels means the same events are conveyed through several testimonies and viewpoints. Each writer, addressing a different community and purpose, highlights particular aspects of Jesus' life. This many-voiced account has traditionally been seen as a richness; the differing emphases are read as complementary rather than contradictory.
Which Gospel should you start with?
First-time readers are often encouraged to begin with John, since it focuses directly on who Jesus is. For a short, fast introduction Mark is a good choice, and for an orderly, detailed account Luke. You can read all four here, chapter by chapter.
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Guides
- What Is the Gospel (İncil)?
- What Are the Torah, Psalms (Zebur) and Gospel?
- The Four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
- Who Wrote the Bible? When Was It Written?
- How Many Books Are There in the Bible?
- Chapters and Verses: How to Read a Reference Like "John 3:16"
- Who Is Jesus Christ?
- What Is the Zebur (Book of Psalms)?
- What Is Baptism?
- How Did the Bible Reach Us? (Manuscripts and Translation)
- What Is Prayer and How Do You Pray?
- What Are the Ten Commandments?
- What Are the Parables of Jesus?
- What Are the Old and New Testaments?
- What Is Christmas? When and Where Was Jesus Born?
- What Are Easter and the Resurrection?
- Who or What Is the Holy Spirit?
- What Is a Church (Kilise)?
- What Is Christianity?
- What Is Sin (Günah)?
- What Are Angels?
- What Are Heaven and Hell?
- What Is a Prophet?
- What Is the Trinity?
- Satan and Evil According to the Bible
- How Do You Memorize Bible Verses?
- Kadıköy Kilise Translation (KKR): Sources and Revision Notes
Which are the four Gospels?
The four Gospels are Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. They are the first four books of the New Testament, and each recounts the life of Jesus.
What does "Synoptic Gospels" mean?
Matthew, Mark and Luke are called the Synoptic Gospels because they convey events in a largely similar order and content. "Synoptic" means seeing together, with a common view. John differs from the three in style.
Why are there four different Gospels?
The four Gospels convey the same events through different testimonies and viewpoints. Each writer, addressing a different community, emphasizes particular aspects of Jesus' life; these differences are read as complementary.
Which Gospel should I start reading?
First-time readers are usually pointed to John, which focuses on Jesus' identity. Mark is good for a short introduction, and Luke for a detailed account.
Can I read the four Gospels online?
Yes. On this site you can read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John chapter by chapter, free and ad-free.