The early Christian Church faced the critical task of preserving and interpreting the authentic accounts of Jesus Christ's life and teachings, captured in the Gospels. Key figures like Tertullian, Origen, and Justin Martyr stood at the forefront of this mission, defending the integrity of these sacred texts against heresies and misinformation.
Tertullian:
Tertullian was an early Christian author, theologian and apologist, who lived in the late 2nd and early 3rd century AD. He was born in Carthage, a city in present-day Tunisia. He was a strong advocate for the faith and defended Christianity against the accusations of its critics. However, later in life, Tertullian became disillusioned with the Church, and eventually joined a sect called the Montanists, which was considered heretical by the main Church.
On The Gospels Origins
In Adversus Marcionem Book 4 Tertullian argues that the Church has the true Gospel that they know to be from Matthew The Apostle, Mark The Apostle, Luke The Apostle, and John The Apostle while he pursues his argument that Marcionem has edited Luke and has presented a false Gospel
"...The same authority of the apostolic churches will afford evidence to the other Gospels also, which we possess equally through their means and according to their usage----I mean the Gospels of John and Matthew----whilst that which Mark published may be affirmed to be Peter's whose interpreter Mark was. For even Luke's form of the Gospel men usually ascribe to Paul . And it may well seem that the works which disciples publish belong to their masters. "
Based on Tertullian account of traditions, this shows that even up to the late 3rd century the Church was still confident in the Gospels and the message of salvation contained within them.
Origen:
Origen was an early Christian theologian, biblical scholar, and philosopher, who lived in the late 2nd and early 3rd century AD. He was born in Alexandria, Egypt, and is considered one of the most important figures in the development of early Christian theology.
On The Gospels Origins
Eusebius Of Casarea The History Of The Church contains the recordings of Origen, an early Christian scholar, they are as follows:
In his first book on Matthew's Gospel, maintaining the Canon of the Church, he testifies that he knows only four Gospels, writing as follows:
Among the four Gospels, which are the only indisputable ones in the Church of God under heaven, I have learned by tradition that the first was written by Matthew, who was once a publican, but afterwards an apostle of Jesus Christ, and it was prepared for the converts from Judaism, and published in the Hebrew language. The second is by Mark, who composed it according to the instructions of Peter, who in his Catholic epistle acknowledges him as a son, saying, 'The church that is at Babylon elected together with you, salutes you, and so does Marcus my son.' (1 Peter 5:13) And the third by Luke, the Gospel commended by Paul and composed for Gentile converts. Last of all that by John.
Origen taught that there are only four Gospel: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, written by Matthew the Apostle, Mark the Disciple, Luke the Apostle and John the Apostle respectively. The Gospels were written for the converts from Judaism and Gentiles.
Pantaenus
Pantaenus was an early Christian theologian and a significant figure in the Alexandrian School of Christian thought. He is believed to have lived during the late 2nd century AD.
On Matthews Origins
In Eusebius church history he records Pantaenus, a missionary that lived around 180 A.D.
…he there found his own arrival anticipated by some who there were acquainted with the gospel of Matthew, to whom Bartholomew, one of the apostles, had preached, and had left them the gospel of Matthew in the Hebrew, which was also preserved until this time.”
Pantaenus continues the tradition that not only did Matthew write his Gospel first, but that it was originally in Hebrew and a copy was even delivered by Bartholomew and preserved.
Justin Martyr
Justin Martyr was an early Christian apologist who lived in the 2nd century. He was born in Palestine and was a convert to Christianity. He is known for his writings in defense of the Christian faith and his attempt to reconcile Greek philosophy with Christianity.
On The Gospels Origins
In Justin Martyr's work The Dialogue with Trypho, he makes mention on the Gospels and their composition:
...Memoirs which I say were drawn up by [Jesus'] apostles and those that followed him.
A close look at his wording shows us that at least two apostles and at least two followers of these apostles had to have written the Gospels. This lines up with what we have today, two apostles - Matthew and John, and two of their followers - Mark and Luke.
On Marks Origins
Sometimes the evidence we have for dating the Gospels and other historical sources comes from people quoting them, a casual reading of the following from Justin Martyr might have you missed the reference to Mark 3:16-17.
When we are told that He changed the name of one of the Apostles to Peter, and we find it recorded in his Memoirs that this took place (besides His having also changed the names of two other brethren, the sons of Zebedee, to that of Boanerges which is sons of thunder)
Justin Martyr was alive from about 100-166 A.D. This means that within 80 years of Jesus being on the earth Justin is well aware of the Gospel of Mark, showing us that the book had to have already been written and passed as scripture by the start of the second century.
Papias of Hierapolis
Papias was an early Christian bishop, author, and apostolic father who lived in the late 1st and early 2nd century AD. He was the bishop of Hierapolis, a city in present-day Turkey. Papias is considered an important source for information about the early Christian tradition, particularly for his claims of having personally known the apostles and having heard their teachings directly. He is also known for his emphasis on the importance of preserving the teachings of the apostles and passing them on accurately.
In his work, Papias also provided information about the authorship of the Gospels, and he is one of the earliest sources to affirm that Matthew and Mark were the authors of the Gospels that bear their names.
Papias May Have Known All 4 Gospels
Some scholars challenge the early dating and traditional authorship of the Gospels. They argue that Papias, as recorded by Eusebius, only mentions the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, but not Luke or John. This is presented as evidence that Papias might not have been aware of the latter two Gospels, casting doubt on their early dating and authorship.
However, this argument isn't entirely accurate. Further writings reveal more about Papias' knowledge. In "Ecclesiastical History 3.24.5-13", Eusebius shares details that bear striking similarities to Papias' description of the origins of Matthew and Mark in "3.39.15". Eusebius wording strongly suggests that the origins of both Matthew and John's Gospels come from a singular source. Although he doesn't explicitly name this source, the similarities and shared themes between the accounts make a compelling case for Papias of Hierapolis being that source (Hill2004-fe.). The consistent elements across these accounts further solidify the belief that Eusebius' reference in 3.24.5-13 is rooted in Papias' tradition about the Fourth Gospel.
One might wonder why Eusebius didn't explicitly name Papias as the source, given the evident similarities. It's worth noting that Eusebius held theological views that differed from those of Papias. Eusebius often aimed to downplay or distance Papias from John, which could explain the omission of direct credit to Papias.
On Mark Origins
Papias Of Asia Minor is quoted saying Mark The Disciple was Peter The Apostle’s interpreter and wrote his testimony, making sure to make no errors not give false testimony.
"And the Elder said this also : Mark , having become the interpreter of Peter, wrote down accurately everything that he remembered, without however recording in order what was either said or done by Christ. For neither did he hear the Lord , nor did he follow Him ; but afterwards, as I said , (attended) Peter, who adapted his instructions to the needs ( of his hearers) but had no design of giving a connected account of the Lord's oracles. So then Mark made no mistake, while he thus wrote down some things as he remembered them ; for he made it his one care not to omit anything that he heard, or to set down any false statement therein . Such then is the account given by Papias concerning Mark.
Papias of Asia Minor was the Bishop of Hierapolis, a city located in the region known as Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). He lived from around 60-130 AD, that is within 30 years of Christ walking the earth when he reads Marks's Gospel. Any dating of the Gospel of Mark must then be placed within this time period. Papias had connections with Polycarp of Smyrna and other early Christian figures. Some traditions suggest he may have heard the preaching of the Apostle John.
On Matthews Origins
Papias's also had this to say concerning the Gospel of Matthew.
“So then Matthew composed the oracles in the Hebrew language, and each one interpreted them as he could.”
Papias of Asia Minor was the Bishop of Hierapolis, a city located in the region known as Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). He lived from around 60-130 AD, that is within 30 years of Christ walking the earth when he reads Matthew's Gospel. Any dating of the Gospel of Matthew must then be placed within this time period. Papias had connections with Polycarp of Smyrna and other early Christian figures. Some traditions suggest he may have heard the preaching of the Apostle John.
On Johns Origins
These texts, crafted to counter the teachings of Marcion of Sinope, a theologian whose views were later deemed heretical, offer insight into the early Church's efforts to preserve orthodox beliefs and authenticate the canonical Gospels. Among these, the prologue for the Gospel of John holds particular historical significance, as it references the testimony of Papias, an early Christian bishop of Hierapolis, providing valuable information about the Gospel's origins and its dissemination among early Christian communities.
The Gospel of John was made known and given to the Churches by John, while he yet remained in the body; as (one) Papias by name, of Hierapolis, a beloved disciple of John, has related in his exoteric, that is, in his last five books.
This excerpt from the anti-Marcionite prologue not only affirms the Gospel's apostolic authorship but also highlights the interconnectedness of early Christian witnesses. Papias, identified as a "beloved disciple of John," is noted for having documented the apostolic origins and ecclesiastical approval of John's Gospel in his own writings, which, though now lost, were evidently accessible to the early Church. This connection between Papias and the Apostle John reinforces the Gospel's credibility and authority within the Christian tradition.
Irenaeus Of France
Irenaeus of Lyon was a Christian bishop, theologian, and church father who lived in the late 2nd century AD. He was born in Asia Minor, and became a Christian in his youth. He is remembered as a great defender of the faith and a pioneer in the fight against heresy. He Gives his testimony for The Gospels here:
On The Gospels Origins
In Irenaeus Of France Against Heresies (Written around 180 A.D.) he argues the early disciples preached one God and his plan salvation through Jesus Christ as foretold in the prophets
Matthew also issued a written Gospel among the Hebrews in their own dialect, while Peter and Paul were preaching at Rome, and laying the foundations of the Church. After their departure, Mark, the disciple and interpreter of Peter, did also hand down to us in writing what had been preached by Peter. Luke also, the companion of Paul, recorded in a book the Gospel preached by him. Afterwards, John, the disciple of the Lord, who also had leaned upon His breast, did himself publish a Gospel during his residence at Ephesus in Asia. These have all declared to us that there is one God, Creator of heaven and earth, announced by the law and the prophets; and one Christ the Son of God. If any one do not agree to these truths, he despises the companions of the Lord; nay more, he despises Christ Himself the Lord; yea, he despises the Father also, and stands self-condemned, resisting and opposing his own salvation, as is the case with all heretics.
This written record of Matthews's Hebrew account in Against Heresies (180 A.D.) is one of the first historical records to mention a copy in Hebrew. The tradition continues that Peter had Mark write his gospel and Luke wrote down Paul's words as well. Finally, Irenaeus states that John was the last gospel written by the disciple himself.
On Luke's Gospel
Another sample from the work Against Heresies that shows Irenaeus Of France was referring to the story of Zacharias in Luke 1: 22
Now the Gospels, in which Christ is enthroned, are like these…That according to Luke, as having a priestly character, began with the priest Zacharias offering incense to God. For the fatted calf was already being prepared which was to be sacrificed for the finding of the younger son.
For Irenaeus Of France to be able to quote the Gospel of Luke, the book had to have already been written and circulated before the second-century.
Clement of Alexandria
Clement of Alexandria lived some time in 150-215 AD when he converted to Christianity. He was a big influence on other church fathers such as Origen.
On Marks Origins
In Eusebius church history he records Clements words on Mark from his book Hypotyposeis
And so great a joy of light shone upon the minds of the hearers of Peter that they were not satisfied with merely a single hearing or with the unwritten teaching of the divine gospel, but with all sorts of entreaties they besought Mark, who was a follower of Peter and whose gospel is extant, to leave behind with them in writing a record of the teaching passed on to them orally; and they did not cease until they had prevailed upon the man and so became responsible for the Scripture for reading in the churches.
Clement was a 2nd-century church father that testifies to the authorship of Mark, saying the he wrote his Gospel while in Rome with Peter before they departed:
On The Gospels Origins
Eusebius Of Casarea's Church History Book 3 records that Clement Of Alexandria is confident in the authorship of the Gospels and even gives us the order he believed them to have been written.
“The Gospels containing the genealogies [i.e. Matthew [Matthew The Apostle] and Luke [Luke The Apostle], he says, were written first. The Gospel according to Mark [Mark The Apostle] had this occasion. As Peter [Peter The Apostle] had preached the Word publicly at Rome and declared the Gospel by the Spirit, many who were present requested that Mark, who had followed him for a long time and remembered his sayings, should write them out. And having composed the Gospel he gave it to those who had requested it. When Peter learned of this, he neither directly forbade nor encouraged it. But, last of all, John [John The Apostle], perceiving that the external facts had been made plain in the Gospel, being urged by his friends, and inspired by the Spirit, composed a spiritual Gospel.” This is the account of Clement.
Clement confidently states that Matthew and Luke were written first, followed by Mark, who was inspired by Peter's words, and lastly, John at the compelling of his friends. Showing us that even by the late second century/early 3rd century, the church still thought that the Gospels were written by first-hand and second-hand accounts.
The examination of the Church Fathers' writings on the origins of the Gospels reveals the early Christian community's dedication to preserving the authentic teachings of Jesus Christ. Their consistent testimonies and scholarly rigor in defending the Gospels contribute to the historical credibility of the biblical texts. Appreciating the historical context and legacy left by these Church Fathers provides a deeper understanding of the integrity and resilience of the Christian faith, a testament to the enduring power of the Gospel message.
The historical testimonies of Tertullian, Origen, Pantaenus, Justin Martyr, Papias of Hierapolis, Irenaeus of France, Clement of Alexandria, and others. These figures provide insights into the authorship, dating, and authenticity of the Gospels according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.