What are the Gospels?
From the Greek word euaggelion — 'good news' — to the four books that narrate the life of Jesus Christ: understand the meaning, origin, and importance of the Gospels in the New Testament.
- Etymology: euaggelion means 'good news' in Greek
- Four books: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
- Three synoptics + one distinct gospel (John)
- Central message: salvation through Jesus Christ
Updated on
What does the word 'gospel' mean?
The word gospel comes from the Greek εὐαγγέλιον (euaggelion), which literally means 'good news' or 'good tidings'. In the ancient world, the term was used to announce victories in battles or the ascension of a king — news that transformed the reality of those who heard it. A classic example is the runner Pheidippides, who supposedly ran about 42 km to announce the victory of Athens over the Persians, dying of exhaustion upon delivering the message.
In the biblical context, the word gains an even deeper meaning: it announces the definitive victory of God over sin and death through Jesus Christ. It is not just any news — it is a message of transformation and salvation.
In the New Testament, 'gospel' refers specifically to the message of salvation brought by Jesus Christ. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, declares that he does not put shame on the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Rom 1.16). The apostle also emphasizes that there is no other true gospel besides salvation through faith in Jesus Christ — any attempt to add human works as a condition for salvation is a distortion of this message.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”
Romans 1.16
Was the gospel already in the Old Testament?
Yes. Although the word 'gospel' is predominantly New Testament, the good news of salvation was already present in the Old Testament — albeit in a symbolic and anticipatory way. It was preached through types, ceremonies, sacrifices, and rituals that pointed to future redemption.
The prophet Isaiah, for example, already announced the coming of a messenger with good news of peace and salvation (Isa 52.7). This prophetic anticipation finds its full fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who proclaimed and realized the gospel in its fullness. The effectiveness of this message, both in the Old and New Testaments, has always depended on the faith of the listener.
What are the four Gospels?
The New Testament contains four books called Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Each one narrates the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, but with different perspectives, audiences, and emphases.
The first three — Matthew, Mark, and Luke — are called the synoptic gospels (from the Greek synopsis, 'common view'), because they share structure, narrative order, and much content in common, although they present significant differences in details and emphasis. The Gospel of John, in turn, has a more profound and distinct theological character, with extended discourses of Jesus and an approach that differs considerably from the synoptics.
Synoptics × John: main differences
| Characteristic | Synoptics (Mt, Mc, Lc) | John |
|---|---|---|
| Narrative structure | Similar to each other, with many shared episodes | Distinct; few episodes parallel to the synoptics |
| Emphasis | Narrative of the life and teachings of Jesus | Deep theology about the identity of Jesus |
| Jesus' discourses | Sermons and parables (e.g., Sermon on the Mount) | Long theological discourses (e.g., Jn 14–17) |
| Likely original audience | Jewish and Gentile communities | Theological advanced Christian community |
| Miracles | Many accounts of healings and exorcisms | Seven 'signs' selected with theological purpose |
How were the Gospels formed?
The question of the origin and interdependence of the Synoptic Gospels is one of the most studied topics in biblical academia. There are different theories about how these texts were composed:
- St. Augustine's Theory: Matthew would have been the first Gospel written, followed by Mark (who would have summarized Matthew) and then Luke.
- Lessing's Theory (or the Fundamental Gospel): proposes the existence of a primitive Gospel in Aramaic, from which the three Synoptics would have independently derived.
- The Two-Source Theory (widely accepted in modern academia): Mark would have been the first Gospel written; Matthew and Luke would have used Mark as a source, in addition to a second hypothetical source of Jesus' sayings, called 'Q' (from the German Quelle, 'source').
These academic discussions do not compromise the reliability of the Gospels as testimonies of the life and message of Jesus — they help to understand the historical and literary process by which these texts reached us.
What you need to know about the Gospels
- 'Gospel' comes from the Greek euaggelion and means 'good news' or 'good tidings'.
- The message of the gospel was already present in the Old Testament, through types and prophecies.
- The four Gospels are Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
- Matthew, Mark and Luke are called 'Synoptics' because they share similar structure and content.
- John has a distinct theological character and complements the Synoptics.
- The gospel is described by Paul as 'the power of God for salvation' (Rom 1.16).
- The message of the gospel is eternal and universal, valid for every age and culture.
- For beginners, Mark is a good starting point because of its direct and concise narrative.
Why is the gospel called 'the power of God for salvation'?
Paul, in Romans 1.16-17, makes one of the most central statements of his entire theology: the gospel is not just a religious message — it is the power of God, a divine energy active and effective, specifically directed toward salvation for everyone who believes. In a world where the message of a crucified Savior could be seen as weakness or foolishness, Paul proclaims it as the greatest existing force.
This salvation is not restricted to a people or time: it is offered first to the Jew and also to the Greek, that is, to all humanity. The gospel message transcends cultural, ethnic and historical barriers.
The book of Revelation reinforces this universality: John has a vision of an angel flying through the sky with an 'eternal gospel' destined for all humanity (Rev 14.6-7). This gospel is not a new revelation, but a constant and immutable proclamation of salvation that comes from God, centered on Christ — valid for every age and culture.
“I saw another angel flying in mid-heaven, having an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on the earth, to every nation, tribe, language and people.”
Revelation 14.6
Where to start reading the Gospels?
Start with Mark
The shortest and most direct of the four Gospels. Its narrative is agile and presents Jesus in action, making it ideal for those who are having their first contact with the Gospels.
Continue with Luke
Written with historical and literary care, Luke presents Jesus with emphasis on mercy, the outcasts and women. It complements the reading of Mark well.
Proceed to Matthew
With strong roots in the Old Testament, Matthew presents Jesus as the promised Messiah. It contains the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5–7), one of Jesus' most important speeches.
Conclude with John
The most theological of the four, John deepens the identity of Jesus as the Son of God. Its reading is richer when the reader already knows the Synoptics.