The life of Jesus Christ is one of the most well-known stories in the world. Christians believe that Jesus was the Son of God, who came to earth to save humanity from sin.
But where can we find an accurate account of his life? In this article, we will explore the different sources that record the life of Jesus.
The New Testament
The New Testament is a collection of books that were written in the first century AD. It contains four Gospels, which are the main sources for information about Jesus’ life on earth.
These Gospels are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Each Gospel provides a unique perspective on Jesus’ life and teachings.
The Gospel of Matthew
Matthew was a tax collector who became one of Jesus’ disciples. His Gospel was written for a Jewish audience and emphasizes Jesus’ fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The Gospel of Matthew contains many famous passages, including the Sermon on the Mount and the Great Commission.
The Gospel of Mark
Mark was a disciple of Peter and wrote his Gospel based on Peter’s teachings. His Gospel is known for its fast-paced narrative style and emphasis on Jesus’ actions rather than his teachings. The Gospel of Mark contains many miracles performed by Jesus, including healing the sick and feeding the multitudes.
The Gospel of Luke
Luke was a physician who wrote his Gospel for a Gentile audience. His Gospel emphasizes Jesus’ compassion for all people, including women and outcasts. The Gospel of Luke contains many parables told by Jesus, such as the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan.
The Gospel of John
John was another disciple who wrote his Gospel later than the other three Gospels. His Gospel emphasizes Jesus’ divinity and contains many theological discussions between Jesus and his followers. The Gospel of John also contains many “I am” statements made by Jesus, such as “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
Other New Testament Books
In addition to the four Gospels, there are other books in the New Testament that provide information about Jesus’ life. The book of Acts describes the early history of the Christian church and includes many stories about Jesus’ disciples. The letters of Paul and other apostles also mention Jesus and provide insight into his teachings.
Non-Biblical Sources
There are also some non-biblical sources that mention Jesus. The Jewish historian Josephus wrote about Jesus in his work “Antiquities of the Jews.” Roman historians such as Tacitus and Suetonius also mention Jesus and early Christianity in their works.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the life of Jesus is recorded primarily in the four Gospels of the New Testament – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These books provide a unique perspective on Jesus’ life and teachings.
Other books in the New Testament as well as non-biblical sources also mention Jesus. By studying these sources, we can gain a better understanding of who Jesus was and what he taught.