Bible Figure
Four Evangelists
The Four Evangelists is the traditional collective designation for Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, the four Gospel writers.
Biography
The New Testament contains four canonical Gospels bearing the names Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Christian tradition consequently speaks of their authors as the Four Evangelists. The individual authors and the historical questions surrounding Gospel authorship should be treated in their own records; this collective entry is best understood as a convenient grouping of the four canonical Gospel witnesses. Their accounts differ in selection, arrangement, and emphasis while together presenting Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection.
Biblical Significance
The fourfold Gospel provides the church with complementary canonical witnesses to Jesus Christ. Their combined testimony gives a richer portrait than any single account alone and anchors Christian proclamation in the life, teaching, death, and resurrection of Jesus.