The Gospels are the heart of the New Testament, recounting the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. While all four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—tell the same story, they were written at different times and for different audiences. Determining which Gospel was written first and which was written last has been a topic of study for centuries.
Let’s explore what scholars believe based on historical, linguistic, and theological evidence.
Which Gospel Was Written First?
Most scholars agree that Mark’s Gospel was written first, around AD 60–70. This theory is part of what is known as the "Markan Priority." Mark is the shortest of the four Gospels and is often thought to be a primary source for Matthew and Luke.
Evidence for Mark’s Priority
- Writing Style: Mark’s Gospel has a simple, fast-paced style, using words like "immediately" frequently. This suggests it was written to convey Jesus's core message quickly and effectively.
- Shared Material: About 95% of Mark’s content appears in Matthew and Luke, leading scholars to believe those writers used Mark as a source.
- Historical Context: The Gospel reflects concerns that align with events around AD 70, such as the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple.
Mark’s Gospel was likely aimed at a Roman audience, emphasizing Jesus as the suffering servant and the Son of God.
Which Gospel Was Written Last?
The Gospel of John is widely believed to have been the last Gospel written, around AD 90–100. Unlike the other three (known as the Synoptic Gospels), John’s Gospel has a unique style and focuses heavily on the divinity of Jesus.
Evidence for John’s Later Date
- Theological Depth: John contains deep theological reflections not seen in the Synoptic Gospels. For example, John opens with the famous "In the beginning was the Word" (John 1:1), emphasizing Jesus' eternal nature.
- Church Development: The Gospel reflects a more developed understanding of church teachings and community dynamics, suggesting it was written after the early Christian church had grown.
- Focus on Signs: John’s Gospel emphasizes "signs" (miracles) to show Jesus' divinity, which may have been a response to theological questions arising in later decades.
John’s Gospel was likely written for a more mature Christian audience, addressing both Jewish and Gentile believers.
Comparison of the Gospels’ Timeline
| Gospel | Estimated Date | Audience | Key Theme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mark | AD 60–70 | Roman Christians | Jesus as the suffering servant |
| Matthew | AD 70–85 | Jewish Christians | Jesus as the promised Messiah |
| Luke | AD 70–85 | Gentile Christians | Jesus as the Savior of all people |
| John | AD 90–100 | Mixed audience | Jesus as the divine Son of God |
Why Does This Matter?
Understanding the timeline of the Gospels helps us grasp the context in which they were written. Each Gospel was tailored to meet its audience's spiritual and cultural needs. Knowing Mark came first shows how the early church focused on spreading the core message of Jesus quickly. Recognizing John as the last Gospel highlights the church's theological maturity and deeper reflection on Jesus' identity.
The Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16 that "God inspires all Scripture." While the Gospels were written at different times, they each contribute to the cohesive story of Jesus Christ.
