Matthew
By comparing and contrasting the four Gospels, differences and similarities can be noted.
Author: Matthew – one of the 12 Apostles
Date: Sometime before 70 AD, for the temple in Jerusalem had not yet been destroyed
when this book was written.
Geneology: Yes, in Matthew Ch. 1
Broad Division: The humanity of Jesus from an earthly perspective;
evangelistic messages for lost humanity;
His public life is in focus.
Primary Area of Ministry: Capernaum in Galilee
Prominent Concept: Law
Emphasis: Words of Jesus
Style & Outlook: Prophetic; Jesus as Teacher; a teaching manual for converts
Themes/Special Focus: Power; Jesus as Messiah-King; Son of Abraham
Arrangement Of Material: Topical
Unique Material: 42% found only in Matthew
Original Culture Addressed: Jews
Era Associated With: Past & Present
Percent Of Words Spoken By Jesus: 60%
Outstanding Sections: Sermons
Key Words: Fulfilled; Kingdom; “to repent” (4:17)
Key Verse: 21:5
Quotations From Old Testament: 53
Allusions To Old Testament: 76
Fascinating Features
Stress is on “the Kingdom” – Kingdom of Heaven is used 33 times;
many Old Testament quotations affirming His deity;
numerous allusions to prophecy; topic of money often addressed
Mark
Author: Mark – Eyewitness of Jesus’ ministry; nephew of Barnabas; friend of Peter and Paul
Date: Before 70 AD
Genealogy: None
Broad Division: Stress is on the humanity of Jesus- from the earthly perspective;
evangelistic messages for lost humanity;
Jesus’ public life is in focus.
Primary Area Of Ministry: Capernaum in Galilee is central
Prominent Concept: Power and Service (10:45)
Emphasis: the deeds of Jesus
Style & Outlook: practical; simple narration of facts; miracles;
some discourse but few parables
Themes/Special Focus: Jesus as the Mighty Conqueror & Preacher
Arrangement Of Material: chronological
Unique Material: only 7% is not found in the other three Gospels
Original Culture Addressed: Romans
Era Associated With: past and present
Percent Of Words Spoken By Jesus: 42%
Outstanding Sections: miracles
Key Words: straightway; immediately
Key Verse: 10:45
Quotations From Old Testament: 36
Allusions To Old Testament: 27
Fascinating Features
Stress is on miracles; no nativity/childhood narrative;
much movement: the emphasis is on action
Luke
Author: Luke – A physician and friend of Paul; a Greek from Troas
Date: before 70 AD
Genealogy: Yes
Broad Division: stress on humanity of Jesus; from an earthly perspective;
evangelistic messages for lost humanity; Jesus’ public life in focus
Primary Area Of Ministry: Capernaum in Galilee
Prominent Concept: Grace for lost humanity
Emphasis: emotions and feelings
Style & Outlook: the humanity of Jesus; historical style; well-organized;
excellent Greek;
Special Focus: the historical Jesus; Jesus as the Perfect man – son of Adam
Arrangement Of Material: chronological
Unique Material: 59% is unique to Luke
Original Culture Addressed: Greeks
Era Associated With: past & present
Percent Of Words Spoken By Jesus: 50%
Outstanding Sections: parables
Key Concepts/Words: Son of man – came to save 19:10
Key Verse: 19:10
Quotations From Old Testament: 25
Allusions To Old Testament: 42
Fascinating Features
the empathy of Jesus; only Gospel writer to tell of
Jesus Perean ministry, which would be of particular interest to
Greek readers;
women and children’s interaction with Jesus are more prominent
John
Author: John, an eye-witness, “the beloved disciple,” a fisherman and one of the 12 apostles
Date: 85-90 AD
Genealogy: None
Broad Division: Stress is on the deity of Jesus – from the heavenly perspective
Primary Area Of Ministry: Jerusalem in Judea
Prominent Concept: the Glory of God
Emphasis: the thoughts of Jesus and the Father
Style & Outlook: theological treatise from the spiritual/doctrinal perspective
Themes/Special Focus: the wisdom of God; Jesus as Savior and Son of God
Arrangement Of Material: Topical
Unique Material: 92% is material unique to John’s Gospel
Original Culture Addressed: all of humanity; the world
Era Associated With: present and future
Percent Of Words Spoken By Jesus: 50%
Outstanding Sections: doctrinal and theological teachings
Key Words: believe; sign; witness; life
Key Verse: 20:31
Quotations From Old Testament: 20
Allusions To Old Testament: 105
Fascinating Features
Emphasizes Jesus’ early Judean ministry,
whereas the Synoptists tend to emphasize His ministry in Galilee;
unique discourses and teachings;
there are no parables; written to strengthen our faith