Understanding the Differences Between the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Mark

The Gospel of Matthew and Its Purpose

Matthew, also referred to as Levi, was one of Jesus' apostles and wrote his gospel to a Jewish audience. His gospel was intended for a congregation in Jerusalem, and he addressed individuals who were familiar with the Jewish law and had converted from Judaism to Christianity. Being deeply rooted in Jewish traditions, Matthew's purpose was to present Jesus as the promised Jewish Messiah, emphasizing his fulfillment of key prophecies from the Old Testament (OT). This gospel is believed to have been written in the Hebrew language, targeting Jewish believers and providing them with a familiar narrative that aligned with their religious teachings.

One interesting piece of evidence regarding the originality of Matthew’s gospel is the existence of some fragments in the Antiquities department in Jerusalem, suggesting the document’s connection to Jewish discourse. Scholars debate whether Matthew wrote his gospel before or after Mark, but the core narrative element in both gospels—common experiences with Jesus—points to a shared origin in the foundational Christian narrative. However, while Mark’s audience was primarily Gentiles with little knowledge of Jewish law, Matthew’s target audience was Jewish believers familiar with the law, influencing the style and content of his gospel.

The Gospel of Mark and Its Unique Approaches

Mark, another of Jesus' apostles, wrote his gospel with a different audience in mind. His focus was on a diverse group of people from the nations who were unfamiliar with Jewish law and culture. Recognizing this gap in their understanding, Mark included additional details to help explain aspects of the Jewish law and everyday terms that would be more familiar to non-Jewish believers.

Mark's gospel describes Jesus as the man from heaven who battles Satan's powers and establishes the Kingdom of God. This portrayal highlights the supernatural aspects of Jesus' ministry and the kingdom he was establishing. One of the notable differences between Matthew and Mark is that Mark often provides more detailed explanations and background information, reflecting the needs of an audience seeking clearer understanding. This approach contrasts with Matthew's more concise and tightly woven narrative, designed for audience members well-versed in the Jewish scriptures.

The Complementary Nature of the Gospels

Although Matthew and Mark wrote their gospels separately and targeted different audiences, these gospels should be viewed as complementary rather than competing. Both books provide a rich tapestry of Jesus' life, teachings, and actions, each offering unique insights based on the cultural and theological backgrounds of their respective communities. By studying both gospels, readers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the intersection between Jesus' life and the diverse audiences he ministered to.

The differences in content and style between the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Mark can be attributed to their intended audiences and the different theological perspectives they brought to their narratives. Matthew, as a Jew writing for fellow Jews, grounded his story in the Jewish tradition and OT prophecies, while Mark, addressing a broader audience, included detailed explanations to facilitate understanding of the culture and laws of Jesus' time.