Which gospel was written first?

TL;DR:

Scholars agree that the four gospels were completed and published between the AD 40s and AD 90 while plenty of eyewitnesses to the events were still alive. Many believe that Mark was the first gospel written.

what does the bible say?

Many scholars argue that Mark was the first gospel written. Mark's work was then published as a gospel after Peter was martyred in AD 66 or AD 67. It is the shortest of the three Synoptic Gospels, so scholars believe Matthew and Luke expound upon Mark's gospel. The existence of eyewitnesses lends credibility to the gospel accounts and helps determine a general order of writing. More important than knowing which gospel was written first, we should challenge ourselves to understand the truth contained in the Gospels and thank God for giving us the privilege of having His holy words by which we can know the love Jesus Christ has for us (1 John 4:10–17).

from the old testament

The Gospels are only found in the New Testament and were not written until about four hundred years after the close of the Old Testament.

from the new testament

One argument for Mark being the first gospel written is his naming of eyewitnesses. Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46), Alexander and Rufus (Mark 15:21), and Salome (Mark 15:40) are specifically named in the gospel of Mark but not named in the accounts of Matthew or Luke. Some scholars reason that these eyewitnesses had passed away between the writing of these different gospels; so there was no longer a reason to identify them by name in later gospels, thereby making Matthew and Luke the later accounts.
The Gospels, like all the books in the Bible, can be trusted. No matter the order in which the accounts were recorded, as originally written, they are God's true Word. We know that "all Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16).

implications for today

No matter to which view a reader subscribes about which gospel was written first, all scholars agree that all four of the gospels were completed and published between the AD 40s and AD 90 while plenty of eyewitnesses to the events were still alive. The existence of eyewitnesses lends credibility to the gospel accounts. And we know, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16). More important than knowing which one was written first, we should challenge ourselves to understand the truths contained in the Gospels. The Gospels reveal God's character and Jesus' sacrificial love for us (cf. 1 John 4:10–17). They invite us to experience a relationship with Him and reflect on the implications of His love in our lives. Recognizing the Gospels as God’s holy words encourages us to approach them with reverence, seeking not just knowledge but transformation. By engaging with the text, we can grow in faith, understanding the significance of Jesus' teachings and His call to live according to His example.

understand

Many scholars believe that Mark was the first gospel written, likely published after Peter's martyrdom around AD 66 or AD 67.
Mark includes specific names of eyewitnesses (e.g., Bartimaeus, Alexander, Rufus, Salome) that are absent in Matthew and Luke, indicating that Mark was likely written while these witnesses were still alive.
The order in which the Gospels were written is less important than the truths they convey about God's character and the realities of salvation in Christ.

reflect

How does the knowledge that the Gospels were written while many eyewitnesses were still alive impact your trust in their accounts of Jesus' life and teachings?
In what ways can you personally engage with the truths revealed in the Gospels to deepen your relationship with God?
Reflect on 1 John 4:10–17. How does understanding Jesus’ sacrificial love change the way you approach your daily life and interactions with others?

engage

What significance does the naming of specific eyewitnesses in Mark adds to its credibility?
How does recognizing the Gospels as God's Word encourage us to engage with them in our personal study or worship?
What are some practical steps we can take to explore the truths contained in the Gospels beyond just understanding their historical context?