Author of the Gospels
Last updated
Last updated
In Christian tradition, the Four Evangelists are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, the authors attributed with the creation of the four canonical Gospel accounts. In the New Testament, they bear the following titles: the Gospel of Matthew; the Gospel of Mark; the Gospel of Luke; and the Gospel of John. These names were assigned to the works by the early church fathers in the 2nd century CE; none of the writers signed their work.
The dates of the composition of the four Gospels in the New Testament are generally estimated by scholars as follows:
The Gospel of Mark: Most scholars agree that Mark's Gospel was the first to be written. It is commonly dated to around 65-70 CE. The dating is partly based on the text's reference to events that align with the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 CE. This Gospel was named after Mark, the secretary of Peter.
No mention of Jesus's birth
The Gospel of Matthew: This Gospel is estimated to have been written between 80-90 CE. Some scholars suggest it may have been composed earlier, in the 70s CE, but the consensus leans towards a slightly later date.
The Gospel of Luke: Luke's Gospel is generally dated to around 80-90 CE as well, roughly around the same time or slightly after Matthew. The dating is based on the similarities between Matthew and Luke and their shared use of the Gospel of Mark as a source. This Gospel was named after Luke, the traveling companion of Paul.
The Gospel of John: This Gospel is usually considered the last to be written and is dated to around 90-100 CE, with some scholars suggesting a date as late as 110 CE. The later date is proposed based on its theological development and writing style.
