Which Gospel was Written First in the New Testament?

The

contains four gospels that narrate the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. However, the earliest gospel to be written is a matter of scholarly debate. One of the accepted theories is that Mark's Gospel was indeed the first gospel to be written. Although there might have existed early sayings gospels like the Gospel of Thomas and the hypothetical 'Q' gospel, scholars often refer to Mark's gospel when discussing the first.

Discrepancies and Theories

While Mark's Gospel is widely considered the first written gospel, it's important to acknowledge the plurality of theories surrounding the chronology of these texts. Early church traditions suggest that the story of Jesus was conveyed through oral tradition and written sayings, which may have included the Gospel of Thomas and the hypothetical 'Q' gospel.

John Dominic Crossan, a prominent theologian, proposed the existence of an earlier sayings gospel that served as a common source for the Gospel of Thomas and the 'Q' gospel. This hypothesis, however, remains speculative as there is no concrete evidence to support the existence of such texts.

Mark's Gospel: The Earliest Documented Gospels

Historical analyses suggest that Mark's Gospel was written around 70 CE. This is a crucial milestone, as it was composed approximately 40 years after the purported death of Jesus. The evidence supporting this date comes from internal clues within the text, indicating a period of early Christian communities in distress and awaiting messianic hopes.

Mark's gospel reflects the oral and written traditions of its time, painting a vivid picture of Jesus' ministry, suffering, and resurrection. Given the significance of this text, scholars often refer to Mark's Gospel as the starting point for New Testament gospels, even though it is not the first to be written in absolute historical context.

Chronology of the Gospels

While Mark's Gospel is often considered the first, the exact timeline for the composition of the other three gospels is less clear. The gospels of Luke and Matthew likely followed in the 60s and 70s CE, respectively. The gospel of John is believed to have been written in the late 80s to early 90s CE.

These chronologies are based on internal textual evidence and the influence of earlier sources. For instance, both Matthew and Luke show significant reliance on Mark's Gospel. Luke even mentions a "former account" by Mark, suggesting that Mark's Gospel was written first and served as a foundational text for later gospels.

Academic Debates and Consensus

Among New Testament scholars, there is a significant debate over the chronology and authenticity of these gospels. A majority of scholars favor Mark's Gospel as the first written, but a minority argue that it is Matthew that was the earliest. The authenticity of Luke's gospel in particular is less favorable, with many scholars believing it to be the latest.

Despite this debate, most scholars agree that the four gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—were written well before the period when myths and legends could have significantly influenced their content. This lends credibility to the texts as historical documents, providing a solid foundation for the understanding of early Christianity.

Conclusion

In summary, while the exact first gospel written remains a discussion point among scholars, Mark's Gospel is widely considered the first written gospel in the New Testament. Its composition in the late 50s CE reflects the early Christian communities' struggles and the subsequent influence on other gospel texts.

Understanding the chronology and context of these gospels is crucial for grasping the historical and theological significance of the New Testament. The early written content provides a glimpse into the oral traditions and the immediate aftermath of Jesus' life, offering valuable insights into the development of early Christian thought and belief.