The question of whether Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John personally knew Jesus is a complex one, as the Gospels do not explicitly state the authors’ direct relationship to Jesus. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the evidence and scholarly views for each Gospel author:
1. Matthew
- Who Was Matthew?
According to tradition and early church writings, Matthew was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles. He is identified as a tax collector (Matthew 9:9), also known as Levi in other Gospels (Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27). - Did Matthew Know Jesus?
Yes, if the apostle Matthew is indeed the author of the Gospel, he would have personally known and followed Jesus. He would have witnessed Jesus’ ministry firsthand and been present at key events. - Scholarly Debate:
Some scholars question whether the apostle Matthew wrote the Gospel attributed to him. The Gospel of Matthew appears to draw from the Gospel of Mark, which raises questions about why an eyewitness would need to rely on another’s account. However, this does not rule out the possibility that Matthew authored it.
2. Mark
- Who Was Mark?
John Mark, the traditional author of the Gospel of Mark, was not one of the twelve apostles but is mentioned in the New Testament as a companion of Peter and Paul (Acts 12:12, 1 Peter 5:13, Colossians 4:10). - Did Mark Know Jesus?
Mark likely did not personally know Jesus. Instead, his Gospel is traditionally understood to be based on the teachings and eyewitness account of the apostle Peter. Early church fathers like Papias (c. AD 125) described Mark as Peter’s “interpreter.” - Scholarly View:
The Gospel of Mark is considered the earliest written Gospel, and its vivid detail may reflect Peter’s firsthand testimony, which Mark recorded.
3. Luke
- Who Was Luke?
Luke was a physician and a companion of the apostle Paul (Colossians 4:14, Philemon 1:24). He also authored the Book of Acts, forming a two-part work with his Gospel. - Did Luke Know Jesus?
Luke likely did not know Jesus personally. His Gospel explicitly states that he relied on accounts from eyewitnesses and carefully investigated everything (Luke 1:1-4). Luke’s narrative suggests he gathered information from those who did know Jesus, possibly including Mary, the mother of Jesus, or other early disciples. - Scholarly View:
Luke’s Gospel is praised for its historical detail and focus on marginalized groups, reflecting his role as a researcher rather than an eyewitness.
4. John
- Who Was John?
The Gospel of John is traditionally attributed to John the Apostle, also called “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 21:20-24). He was one of the twelve apostles and part of Jesus’ inner circle, along with Peter and James. - Did John Know Jesus?
Yes, if the apostle John authored the Gospel, he was a close companion of Jesus and a direct eyewitness to His ministry, including the Transfiguration and the crucifixion (John 19:26-27). - Scholarly Debate:
Some scholars question whether John the Apostle wrote the Gospel, suggesting instead that it may have been written by a disciple of John or a member of a Johannine community. However, the detailed, intimate portrayal of Jesus’ ministry in the Gospel supports the idea that it was written by someone close to Jesus.
Summary of Relationships
| Gospel | Traditional Author | Knew Jesus Personally? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew | Matthew the Apostle | Yes | Likely an eyewitness if the apostle authored the Gospel. |
| Mark | John Mark | No | Based on Peter’s testimony and teachings. |
| Luke | Luke the Physician | No | Relied on accounts from eyewitnesses and thorough investigation. |
| John | John the Apostle | Yes | Likely an eyewitness if the apostle authored the Gospel. |
Conclusion
- Matthew and John: Likely knew Jesus personally, as they were part of the twelve apostles.
- Mark and Luke: Did not know Jesus directly but relied on firsthand accounts from others (Peter for Mark and various witnesses for Luke).
This blend of direct eyewitness testimony and carefully compiled accounts underscores the richness and reliability of the Gospel narratives, offering unique perspectives on the life and teachings of Jesus.