When reading the gospel accounts, it is vital to understand that four different people, under the Holy Spirit’s inspiration, wrote four different accounts of Jesus’ life. Because of this, it’s not surprising that each gospel would see and process Jesus’ life differently. A good place to study this topic is to learn the historic background of these men and this digital download can help with two of them.

Matthew was a tax collector. He probably had a chip on his shoulder because most Jews hated tax collectors. The reason was two-fold. First, these men worked for their enemy, the Roman government and second, they would often cheat their own people and pocket the extra money the Jews could not dispute. When Matthew encountered and followed Jesus, his life would have drastically changed.

 Matthew’s book emphasizes the fact that Jesus is the promised Messiah. He records and highlights how Jesus specifically fulfilled the Old Testament prophecy.

Mark, often known as John Mark, is the author of this book. Mark was a close friend of the disciple Peter, and wrote his account of Jesus’ life, tradition tells us, by listening to Peter’s sermons after Jesus’ death and resurrection. Historical documents tell us that Mark recorded and arranged the information he got from Peter.

Mark’s book emphasizes Jesus as a servant. You will see records of things Jesus did showing his humility and the description of the ultimate servant Jesus is as seen in his sacrificial death on the cross.

Luke’s gospel is a companion book to Acts, almost like a volume 1 and 2. Both books were written to Theophilus and Luke is documented as being with Paul when many of these events took place. Luke was a doctor (Colossians 4:14) and was well-educated, probably of Greek descent.

Luke’s book emphasizes Jesus is the Savior to all people (Gentiles), not just the Jews. This makes sense because of the author’s heritage. Throughout this gospel, there are many accounts of Jesus’ interaction with Gentiles.

John, the “disciple Jesus loved,” wrote the fourth gospel. You will not see his name mentioned in these pages, which is indicative of his writing it. John’s knowledge of Jewish life and tradition, due to his being raised within the race and faith, shines through in this gospel. Find out more about the disciple, John, here.

John’s gospel emphasizes that Jesus is the Son of God. There are many verses which point this relationship out.

Knowing the background of the authors of the gospels makes your Bible study come alive.