Who are the Four Evangelists?

PrintEmailSave

Main Image: 

Mathew, Mark, Luke and John are called the Four Evangelists in Christian Tradition. They are recognized as the authors of the four Gospel accounts mentioned in the New Testament. While John and Mathew are considered to be two of the “Twelve Apostles of Jesus”, Mark and Luke are described as “two apostolic men” to have authored the Gospel. They have been called Evangelists which means people who declare good news since their books talk about the good news of Jesus. 

Mathew, Mark, Luke and John are called the Four Evangelists in Christian Tradition. They are recognized as the authors of the four Gospel accounts mentioned in the New Testament. While John and Mathew are considered to be two of the “Twelve Apostles of Jesus”, Mark and Luke are described as “two apostolic men” to have authored the Gospel. They have been called Evangelists which means people who declare good news since their books talk about the good news of Jesus. 

Who are the Four Evangelists?

In looking at the lives of the Four Evangelists, it is made clear as to how they were nominated to write the Gospel of Christ expounding the Christian Faith to the best of their understanding and experiences.

• Evangelist Mathew 
• Evangelist Mark 
• Evangelist Luke 
• Evangelist John

What is the story of Evangelist Mathew?

Evangelist Mathew, the first author of the Gospel, was a tax-collector by profession under the Roman Emperor when he was called upon by Jesus to join him as one of his Twelve Apostles. He was a Jew of Galilee by birth and was called Levi. He was asked by Jesus to be a constant follower amidst his daily duties of tax collector to which he readily agreed. He propagated Christ’s teachings until his crucifixion and even after the ascension of his Master; he continued preaching the gospel in Judea and later in Ethiopia where he died a natural death. He is believed to have written the Gospel in Judea in the Hebrew language which was later translated into Greek. Till today the Hebrew text which was assembled by Martyr Pamphilus is preserved in the library of Caesarea.

What is the Story of Evangelist Mark?

Evangelist Mark, whose original name was John, was the son of a pious woman Barnabas and in whose house in Jerusalem the early Christians often gathered. He took the name Mark when he travelled to foreign lands to preach the gospel. He was an interpreter to Peter and is supposed to have been converted to Christianity by him. Hence he is referred to as “an apostolic man” as he was under the tutelage of Peter with whom he widely travelled interpreting his preaching. Under his guidance, Mark wrote the second Gospel which is based on what he heard Peter preach. His work was directed at the Gentile converts in Rome which is evident from the forceful explanations that have been used in his work.

What is the Story of Evangelist Luke?

Evangelist Luke, a physician by profession, was a native of Antioch and a dear friend of Apostle Paul. He was a constant companion to Apostle Paul in his various journeys to foreign lands. Scriptures reveal that Luke was born to Gentile parents, who embraced Judaism and was later converted to Christianity. The fact that Luke was a doctor is further strengthened from his work wherein he has made acute observations to the spiritual healing powers of the Master. He has also authored a book Acts of Apostle which traces the two year journey of Paul in Rome during his confinement. He is honored as being the first to have painted the image of Virgin Mary and Child Jesus.

What is the Story behind Evangelist John?

Evangelist John, the last and youngest of the apostles was the son of a fisherman of Bethsaida in Galilee. He was one of the Lord’s favorite disciple with whom Jesus entrusted the care of his own mother when he ascended the cross. He was the only apostle who had access to the Lord at all times through his crucifixion and his resurrection. His Gospel focuses mainly on the Lord’s final earthly journey and His Passion.

What are the Symbols associated with the Four Evangelists?

The Four Evangelists are usually portrayed in a group often around the image of Christ mostly in their symbolic forms of: Young man or Angel for Saint Mathew, Lion for Saint Mark, Eagle for Saint John and an Ox for Saint Luke. They are also symbolized as humans mostly writing their Gospels.

 

Related Videos: 

Related Images: