The story of Jesus’ life is central to the Christian faith. It tells the tale of his birth, teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection.
But where can we find this story written down? Let’s take a closer look.
The Gospels
The primary source for the story of Jesus’ life is found in the four Gospels of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These books were written by four different authors at different times and places but all share the common goal of telling the story of Jesus.
Matthew
Matthew was a tax collector who became one of Jesus’ disciples. His Gospel was likely written in the 70s or 80s AD and was primarily aimed at a Jewish audience. It emphasizes Jesus’ role as the Jewish Messiah and includes many references to Jewish scripture.
Mark
Mark’s Gospel is believed to have been written around 70 AD, making it the earliest of the four Gospels. It is also considered to be the most straightforward account of Jesus’ life and teachings. Mark focuses on Jesus’ actions rather than his words and portrays him as a man of action rather than a philosopher.
Luke
Luke was a doctor who accompanied Paul on his travels. His Gospel was likely written in the 80s or 90s AD and was aimed at a Greek audience. Luke’s Gospel places great emphasis on compassion and social justice, particularly towards marginalized groups such as women and lepers.
John
John’s Gospel is believed to have been written in the 90s AD, making it the latest of the four Gospels. It is also considered to be more theological than historical, emphasizing Jesus’ divinity rather than his humanity.
- Key Takeaway: The four Gospels provide the primary source for the story of Jesus’ life.
Other Sources
While the Gospels are the primary source for Jesus’ story, there are also other accounts that provide valuable insights into his life and teachings.
The Apocryphal Gospels
There are many other Gospels that were written in the early Christian period but were not included in the official canon of scripture. These texts, known as the Apocryphal Gospels, include works such as the Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of Mary Magdalene. While they are not considered authoritative by most Christians, they do offer alternative perspectives on Jesus’ life and teachings.
The Letters of Paul
Paul was an early Christian leader who wrote many letters to various communities throughout the Mediterranean world. While these letters do not tell a chronological story of Jesus’ life, they do offer insights into his teachings and their relevance to everyday life.
- Key Takeaway: While not as authoritative as the four Gospels, other sources such as the Apocryphal Gospels and Paul’s letters provide valuable insights into Jesus’ life and teachings.
Conclusion
The story of Jesus’ life is primarily found in the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These books provide a rich account of his teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection.
Other sources such as the Apocryphal Gospels and Paul’s letters offer additional perspectives on Jesus’ life and teachings. Together, these texts form a powerful witness to the enduring impact of Jesus on human history.
Remember: The Bible is more than just a book- it’s a living document that continues to inspire people around the world today.