The New Testament begins with four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. They are the first four books of the Christian Bible and present accounts of Jesus’s life, ministry, death, and resurrection.
The word “gospel” comes from the Old English term meaning “good news.” In the New Testament, it refers both to the message about Jesus and to the written works that communicate that message. Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called the Synoptic Gospels because they share many episodes and can be viewed together.
John differs in style and structure from the Synoptic accounts, although it also focuses on Jesus. The four Gospels are not arranged in presumed writing order; Mark is generally considered the earliest, while John is usually dated later. Their opening position gives readers the narrative foundation for the rest of the New Testament.