The Historical Context and Significance of the First Four Books of the Bible: The Gospels

It is often debated why the first four books of the Bible, known as the gospels, are specifically titled as such. This article delves into the historical context and significance of these books, discussing why there are four gospels and how they were determined to be the most accurate and detailed accounts of Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection.

The Significance of Four Gospels

There are multiple theories regarding why there are four gospels, but the most widely accepted explanation is that these accounts stood out due to their accuracy and detail. Many other early writings about Jesus Christ existed, but the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John were recognized for their reliability and comprehensive coverage of Christ's life.

Matthew's Account: Matthew was a disciple and apostle of Jesus Christ, who wrote the first gospel. As an eyewitness, his account was rich with personal and detailed insights into the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. This should come as no surprise since Matthew was part of the inner circle of Jesus, as he sailed with Him and even witnessed Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.

Mark's Account: Mark's gospel, which predates Matthew's, reflects similarities with Matthew but is more concise. While not an eyewitness, Mark had access to the eyewitness testimony of John Mark, who accompanied Peter and was close to Jesus. Mark's account provides a concise narrative of Jesus' life, and his testimony is considered a reflection of Peter's teachings.

Luke's Account: Luke was not one of the twelve apostles, but he is portrayed in Acts as an eyewitness. In fact, his account in the preface to the gospel of Luke emphasizes his intention to provide a well-ordered account based on eye-witness testimony. His gospel includes more detail about events that are not mentioned in Matthew and Mark, and his account is considered reliable and accurate, blending history and theology.

John's Account: The apostle John, who was one of the twelve apostles, wrote the fourth gospel. As an eyewitness, his account is rich with profound insights into the divine nature and the salvific mission of Jesus Christ. His account emphasizes the spiritual and theological dimensions of Christ's life and teachings, and he provides a unique perspective on Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.

The Process of Canonization

In the early days of Christianity, there were numerous epistles and gospels circulating. To ensure reliability, the Church needed to establish a standard canon of scripture. According to historical accounts, the Apostle John identified 27 books as valid scripture. These were either written by or authorized by an apostle, making them authoritative.

The process of canonization began with the Apostle John, who recognized these 27 books. The disciple Polyarnarp, further refined this list, passing it on to Irenaeus, ultimately leading to the formation of the canon. The 27 books were ratified at the Council of Nicea, which was held in 325 AD. At this council, the Bible was officially compiled, translated into Latin, and became the Vulgate, which was the first complete Bible in one language, accessible to the majority of people in the Roman world.

The Role of Saint Jerome

The translation of the Bible was a monumental task, and it was Saint Jerome who played a crucial role in this endeavor. As an expert in Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic, Jerome's extensive knowledge allowed him to produce a more accurate and reliable translation of the Bible into Latin. This translation, known as the Vulgate, was the first complete Bible in a single language, making it accessible to a broad audience. Prior to Jerome's work, no one owned a complete Bible containing both the Old and New Testaments in one book.

Conclusion

The first four books of the Bible, the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, stand as the most authoritative accounts of Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection. Their significance lies in their accuracy, detail, and the reliability of their authors. Through the process of canonization, these books were recognized as the most authentic and detailed accounts, becoming the cornerstone of Christian scriptures.