The Books of the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles

• What do the Four Gospels narrate?

  The life of Jesus Christ.
• What is the origin of the word "Gospel"?


  It comes from "god" (good) + "spel" (news, message).
• What does "evangelion" mean?

  Good news.
• Why are the Four Gospels considered the most important part of the New Testament?

  Because they contain the Good News of our redemption.
• Who wrote the Four Gospels?

  Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
• How many chapters are in the Gospel of Matthew?

  28 chapters.
• Who is the author of the Gospel of Matthew?

  St. Matthew, a former tax collector.
• In what language was the Gospel of Matthew written?

  In Aramaic for a Jewish audience.
• How many chapters are in the Gospel of Mark?

  16 chapters.
• Who is the author of the Gospel of Mark?

  St. Mark, companion of the Apostle Peter.
• In what language was the Gospel of Mark written?

  In Greek for a Gentile audience.
• How many chapters are in the Gospel of Luke?

  24 chapters.
• Who is the author of the Gospel of Luke?

  St. Luke, a former physician.
• In what language was the Gospel of Luke written?

  In Greek for a Gentile audience, particularly Christian converts.
• How many chapters are in the Gospel of John?

  21 chapters.
• Who is the author of the Gospel of John?


  St. John the Evangelist, the disciple whom Jesus loved.
• In what language was the Gospel of John written?

  In Greek for both Jews and Gentiles.
• What is the development process of the Gospels?

  1. Life and Teaching of Jesus (people’s encounter with Jesus Christ)
  2. Oral Preaching (message of Christ passed on to others)
  3. Written Gospels (preaching about Jesus recorded into writing)
• What are the unique characteristics of the Four Evangelists' writing styles?

  • Each Evangelist has a unique writing style and theme.
  • The Four Gospels are referred to as the Synoptic Gospels.
  • They include many of the same stories, in a similar sequence and identical wording (except for John).
• What are the Gospel portraits of Jesus according to each Evangelist?

  • Matthew: King and Messiah
  • Luke: Human
  • Mark: Servant
  • John: God
• How many chapters are in the Acts of the Apostles?

  28 chapters.
• Who wrote the Acts of the Apostles?

  St. Luke.
• What does the Acts of the Apostles narrate?

  The inauguration and formative years of the Catholic Church.
• What activities does the Acts of the Apostles describe?

  The missionary activity and growth of the early Church.