Four Gospels, four portraits

Almost everything we know about Jesus is found in four books: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. They tell the same story, but each from its own angle.

Mark is the shortest and probably the oldest Gospel, usually dated to around the year 70. It is in a hurry: in the King James you meet the words straightway and immediately dozens of times. Mark also preserves the most Aramaic words of Jesus.

Matthew and Luke used Mark as a source, along with material they both knew and traditions of their own. They are usually dated to between 80 and 90. Matthew shows how Jesus fulfils the Scriptures of Israel. Luke has a keen eye for outsiders, women, the poor, and prayer.

John is the youngest, from around 90 to 100, and the most different. Here you find the I am sayings and long conversations. Some scholars date all four Gospels earlier. The exact years are still debated today.