MATTHEW The Gospel of Matthew does Author not name its author.

The Christian bishop, Papias of Hierapolis, about 100-140 AD, in a passage with several ambiguous phrases, wrote: "Matthew collected the oracles in the Hebrew language and each one interpreted them as best he could."

MARK The Gospel of Mark does not name its author. A 2nd century tradition ascribes it to Mark the Evangelist (also known as John Mark), a companion of Peter, on whose memories it is supposedly based.

LUKE The author is traditionally identified as Luke the Evangelist.

JOHN The gospel identifies its author as "the disciple whom Jesus loved." The text does not actually name this disciple, but by the beginning of the 2nd century a tradition began to form which identified him with John the Apostle, one of the Twelve (Jesus innermost circle).

The Jewish theme would Place of writing seem to suggest Palestine,

The gospel was written in Greek around AD 64,

The place of writing was probably Rome, though Achaia, Ephesus and Caesarea have also been suggested.

Polycrates, Bishop of Ephesus, 190AD, and Irenaeus both place John at Ephesus as late as 98117AD with a long residence there.

although others have thought possibly in Syria. Antioch Syria, which was a strong base for the early church. Matthew was written to Jews who were familiar with Old Testament prophecy. Jewish Mark is commonly believed to be written for a Roman audience,

Luke wrote the third gospel and the book of Acts. Both books were

This gospel was directed toward a Gentile, Christian audience. John

Audience

customs were not explained in this gospel. Matthew often mentioned the Law of Moses.

mainly because of his emphasis on action and the omission of details of lesser interest to them.

addressed to a nobleman whose name meant "one who loves God."

frequently explained Jewish customs and often described places in Palestine. Johns purpose for writing this gospel was expressly stated in John 20:31, "these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name."

Matthew's purpose was to present Jesus Christ of Nazareth to Jewish Purpose/ Reasons for writing Christians and Jews as the Messianic King whose coming was foretold in the Old Testament.

Mark wrote as a pastor to Christians who previously had heard and believed the Gospel (Romans 1:8). He desired that they have a biographical story of Jesus Christ as Servant of the Lord and Savior of the world in order to strengthen their faith in the face of severe persecution and to teach them what it meant to be His disciples.

As with the other two synoptic gospels Matthew and Markthis books purpose is to reveal the Lord Jesus Christ and all He began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven (Acts 1:1-2).

Matthew's gospel presents Images of Christ us Jesus' aspect, which is manifested as the King.

Our Lord Jesus Christ is presented in Mark's gospel as the one who serves.

Luke's Gospel presents us Jesus' human profile.

John has proven that Jesus of Nazareth is the Son of God.

Matthew the Evangelist, the Symbol author of the first gospel account is symbolized by a winged man, or angel.

Mark the Evangelist, the author of the second gospel account is symbolized by a winged lion - a figure of courage and monarchy. Mark has John the

Luke the Evangelist, the

John the Evangelist, the

author of the third gospel author of the fourth account (and the Acts of the Apostles) is symbolized by a winged ox or bull - a figure of sacrifice, service and gospel account is symbolized by an eagle a figure of the sky, and believed to be able to look straight into the sun.

Baptist preaching "like a strength. lion roaring" at the beginning of his Gospel.
Sources: http://www.conservapedia.com/Gospel_of_Matthew http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gospel_of_Mark http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gospel_of_Luke http://www.biblica.com/niv/study-bible/luke/ http://www.versebyverse.org/doctrine/intro-john.html http://www.lifeofchrist.com/life/gospels/print.asp http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_audience_was_Mark's_Gospel_w ritten_for http://www.christianinconnect.com/matthew.htm http://www.gotquestions.org/Gospel-of-Mark.html http://www.gotquestions.org/Gospel-of-Luke.html http://www.abideinchrist.com/messages/jnintro.html http://www.livingwaters.cl/magazine/29/02.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Evangelists