Why Are There Four Gospels In The Bible Reasons Overview

The presence of four distinct accounts of Jesus Christ’s life—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—has intrigued readers for centuries. Unlike a single biography, the New Testament offers multiple perspectives on the same central figure. This isn’t redundancy; it’s intentional diversity. Each gospel presents a unique portrait of Jesus shaped by audience, purpose, and theological emphasis. Understanding why there are four gospels requires exploring early Christian history, literary design, and spiritual intent.

Historical Development of the Four Gospels

In the decades following Jesus’ resurrection, oral tradition preserved His teachings and deeds. As the early Church expanded beyond Jerusalem into Greek-speaking regions, written records became essential. The first gospel, widely believed to be Mark, was likely composed around 65–70 AD. It served as a concise narrative emphasizing action and urgency. Matthew and Luke followed, each using Mark as a source while adding unique material. John, written later (around 90–100 AD), takes a more reflective and theological approach.

The early Church didn’t immediately settle on four gospels. Various texts circulated, including apocryphal gospels like the Gospel of Thomas or Peter. However, by the late 2nd century, church leaders such as Irenaeus of Lyons defended the authority of exactly four gospels. He argued they corresponded to the four corners of the earth and the four living creatures in Ezekiel and Revelation—symbolizing completeness.

“Just as there are four zones of the world, and four principal winds, so there are four gospels.” — Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies, c. 180 AD

Different Audiences, Different Emphases

Each gospel writer addressed a specific community with tailored concerns. These differences explain not only variations in content but also the need for multiple accounts:

• Matthew – Written primarily for a Jewish audience, it emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. It opens with a genealogy linking Jesus to Abraham and David, and frequently quotes scripture with the phrase “this was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet…”
• Mark – Aimed at a Roman or Gentile readership, Mark highlights Jesus’ actions, miracles, and suffering. It’s fast-paced, urgent, and portrays Jesus as the suffering servant.
• Luke – Addressed to “Theophilus” and broader Gentile believers, Luke presents a detailed, orderly account. It emphasizes compassion, inclusion of the marginalized, and the universality of salvation.
• John – The most theological of the four, John focuses on Jesus’ divine identity. It begins with the cosmic declaration: “In the beginning was the Word,” and uses extended discourses rather than parables.

Tip: When reading the gospels, consider who the original audience was. This helps clarify why certain stories are included or omitted.

Literary and Theological Complementarity

Rather than contradicting one another, the four gospels complement each other like different angles of a diamond. Each reveals a facet of Jesus’ identity:

Gospel	Portrait of Jesus	Key Themes
Matthew	The Messiah-King	Kingdom of Heaven, fulfillment of prophecy, discipleship
Mark	The Suffering Servant	Action, secrecy (“Messianic secret”), urgency
Luke	The Compassionate Savior	Grace, mercy, inclusion of women, tax collectors, sinners
John	The Divine Son of God	Eternal life, belief, “I am” statements, glory

This multi-dimensional portrayal prevents reductionism. If we had only John, we might miss the earthly ministry and parables. If we had only Mark, we might lack the depth of Jesus’ teaching. Together, they form a richer, fuller picture of who Jesus is.

Case Study: The Feeding of the 5,000

All four gospels record the miracle of Jesus feeding five thousand men with five loaves and two fish. Yet each adds unique details:

• Matthew notes Jesus’ compassion when seeing the crowd as “sheep without a shepherd.”
• Mark includes the logistical concern: “It would take eight months’ wages to buy enough bread!”
• Luke emphasizes the disciples’ role in distributing the food.
• John connects the miracle to Jesus’ teaching about being the “bread of life.”

These variations aren’t contradictions—they’re complementary insights. Together, they deepen our understanding of Jesus’ compassion, power, and divine identity.

The Role of Eyewitness Testimony and Tradition

The early Church valued eyewitness testimony. Luke explicitly states he consulted “those who from the first were eyewitnesses” (Luke 1:2). Matthew, an apostle, wrote from firsthand experience. Mark recorded Peter’s preaching. John claimed to be “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” suggesting personal intimacy with Christ.

The fourfold gospel also reflects a legal principle in Jewish culture: matters must be established by two or three witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15). Having four independent yet harmonious accounts strengthens their credibility. They weren’t edited into uniformity; their differences affirm authenticity.

Step-by-Step: How the Four Gospels Were Recognized

1. c. 50–100 AD: Gospels written independently, circulated among churches.
2. Mid-2nd century: Marcion promotes a truncated version of Luke, prompting the Church to define authoritative texts.
3. 180 AD: Irenaeus formally defends the four-gospel canon based on theology and tradition.
4. 367 AD: Athanasius lists the 27 books of the New Testament, including the four gospels, in his Festal Letter.
5. 397 AD: Council of Carthage confirms the canon still used today.

Common Misconceptions About the Four Gospels

Some assume the gospels were selected arbitrarily or that they contradict each other. In reality, their selection was gradual, rooted in apostolic connection, widespread use, and doctrinal consistency. Differences in chronology or wording reflect varied storytelling styles, not errors.

For example, the resurrection accounts differ slightly in detail—who went to the tomb, what angels said—but all agree on the core fact: the tomb was empty, and Jesus appeared alive. Ancient historians expected variation in secondary details; uniformity would have raised suspicion of collusion.

Checklist: Engaging with the Four Gospels Effectively

• Read each gospel straight through in one sitting to grasp its overall tone.
• Note recurring themes and unique phrases (e.g., “Kingdom of Heaven” in Matthew).
• Compare parallel passages across gospels to see complementary perspectives.
• Consider the cultural and historical context of each author.
• Reflect on how each portrait of Jesus deepens your understanding of His mission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why weren’t more gospels included?

Many gospels emerged in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, but they lacked apostolic authority, were written too late, or contained unorthodox theology. The four canonical gospels were consistently used, respected, and aligned with early Christian belief.

Do the gospels contradict each other?

They differ in emphasis and detail, but not in essential facts. Like multiple witnesses to an event, they offer varied perspectives that enrich rather than undermine the story. Harmonization efforts exist, but the Church has always valued their distinct voices.

Can I trust the gospels as historical documents?

Yes. They meet ancient standards of historiography, include accurate geographical and cultural details, and were written within living memory of Jesus. Scholars across religious and secular lines acknowledge their value as historical sources.

Conclusion: The Beauty of a Fourfold Witness

The existence of four gospels is not a flaw—it’s a feature. Just as a symphony gains depth from multiple instruments, the story of Jesus gains richness from multiple voices. Each gospel invites us into a deeper relationship with Christ, revealing Him as King, Servant, Savior, and Son of God. Together, they provide a full-bodied witness to the life, death, and resurrection that changed the world.

🚀 Take Action: Read one gospel this week with fresh eyes. Ask: What kind of portrait of Jesus is being painted? How does this account deepen your faith? Share your insights with someone else and continue the conversation.