Lectio The Case for Jesus: The Early Church Fathers
Jun 6, 2024
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Explore the authorship of the Gospels by early Church Fathers like Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Delve into lost Gospels like Gospel of Judas and Infancy Gospel of Thomas. Analyze the portrayal of young Jesus and the debate around authenticity in non-canonical Gospels.
The Gospels' authorship by eyewitnesses and apostolic companions is supported by internal evidence within the texts themselves.
External evidence from early church fathers like Papias and Irenaeus confirms the credibility of the Gospels' authorship by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Deep dives
The Gospels' Attribution to Apostles and Companions in Internal Evidence
Internal evidence within the Gospels themselves points to their authorship by eyewitnesses and companions of the apostles. Matthew and John, two of Jesus' apostles, are believed to have written the Gospels attributed to them. Mark, a companion of Peter, and Luke, a companion of Paul, are also considered authors. This internal evidence highlights the direct association of the Gospels with individuals closely linked to Jesus and the apostolic circle.
External Evidence from Early Church Fathers Supporting Gospel Authorship
Early Christian writers known as the early church fathers provide external evidence affirming the authorship of the Gospels. Figures like Papias, Irenaeus, and Clement of Alexandria, who had connections to the apostolic era, confirm that Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John were indeed the authors of the Gospels. The unanimous acceptance by these early church fathers strengthens the credibility of the Gospels' authorship as being rooted in eyewitnesses and apostolic companions.
Rejection of Lost Gospels by Early Church Fathers and Critics
Contrary to the canonical Gospels, ancient texts like the Gospel of Thomas, the Gospel of Judas, and the Gospel of Mary Magdalene, known as 'lost Gospels', were unanimously rejected by both early church fathers and pagan critics. These texts, written much later than the canonical Gospels, were deemed as forgeries due to their content and lack of apostolic authenticity. Early church fathers and critics like Eusebius emphasized that these writings did not align with the apostolic tradition and were distinct from orthodox teachings.
Historical Veracity of the Canonical Gospels and the Lost Gospels
The distinction between the canonical Gospels and the 'lost Gospels' lies in their historical veracity and apostolic origins. While the canonical Gospels receive support from internal and external evidence, affirming their authorship by eyewitnesses and apostolic companions, the 'lost Gospels' lack such validation. The rejection of the 'lost Gospels' by both ancient church figures and critics underscores the credibility of the canonical Gospels as authentic testimonies of Jesus' life and teachings.
The early church is not silent on the authorship of the Gospels. From the earliest members of the Christian faith, the early Church Fathers, we learn how well-attested it was that the Gospels are in fact written by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
