Four men, each viewing the same event, are likely to recall and highlight some of the same events, as well as include things unique to each one's point of view and purpose for recalling the event. This is the case with the first four New-Testament books. Consider Luke's opening remarks concerning his purpose and method of writing, as well as those of the eyewitnesses (the apostles):
"In as much as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed." (Luke 1:1-4)
The first three books of the New Testament are known as the synoptic gospels. The term synoptic means "presenting or taking the same or common view." (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary) Matthew, Mark, and Luke are synoptic gospels; they contain the same general view or approach to Christ's life. John's gospel is no less important than the other three; it simply describes Christ's life from a different viewpoint. These four accounts enable us to know for certain that what we have been taught about Christ is sound, and that our faith is sure.
The Gospels
"Our Anglo-Saxon word gospel (Gr. euangelion) means good news. It is God's good news to men, the gospel (Arndt and Gingrich, 318). Each of the first four gospels records the story of Jesus, each writer using his own style. Events are recorded by one writer which may not appear in the writings of another, but it is the story of Christ. For example, The Gospel According to Matthew means the story of Christ, as told by Matthew. THE GOSPEL, in the strict sense as we think of it, (Romans 1:16, etc.) is probably the idea in Mark 1:1: 'The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God.' Even though the style and emphasis of each author is different, the subject is the same--JESUS CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD. While all four writers have written to establish this fact, The Gospel of John emphasizes this truth. 'And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but 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.'" (John 20:30, 31) (What is in the Book? Hoyt Houchen, page 1)
Matthew, Mark, and Luke present the life of Jesus Christ from the same general approach or point of view. These first three New-Testament books harmonize to give us a good understanding of Jesus' words and works. John's gospel presents Christ's life from a different perspective. John selected certain events in Jesus' life as evidence that He is the Christ, the son of God. The New Testament's first four books contain the good news of Jesus Christ; they are inspired by God to build up our learning and our faith.
Matthew
Matthew wrote his gospel especially for the Jewish audience, to show that Jesus is the Christ. Matthew presented Jesus as the Messiah, the King of the Jews. The book contains much of what Jesus taught about His kingdom, which He identified as His church (Matthew 16:18-19). Matthew's gospel ends with the resurrected Christ sending His apostles into the whole world to teach the gospel and make disciples of all men.
Mark
Mark's gospel depicts Jesus as a man of action. It gives a series of snapshots of His life. Mark was probably first written to a Roman audience. It shows Jesus living a life of both service and sacrifice. Mark describes the Son of Man as a Servant on the move, constantly doing His Father's will: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45) Mark also presents Jesus as God's Son, who sacrificed Himself to save sinners: "So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, 'Truly, this Man was the Son of God!'" (Mark 15:39) Mark's gospel helps us "go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15)
Luke
The gospel according to Luke is an accurate, carefully arranged account of Jesus' life (Luke 1:1-4). Luke, the beloved physician, wrote to a Greek man named Theophilus. He wrote about Jesus' works and words (Colossians 4:14; Luke 1:3; Acts 1:1). Matthew and Mark do not contain many of the events about Jesus that Luke did include. Luke portrayed Jesus as the Son of man, showing how He lived among men, how He valued men, and what He did for us all.
John
The gospel according to John presents Jesus as God. John's purpose is clearly stated in John 20:30-31: "And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but 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." Three words--signs, believe, and life--are important in this passage. John's book contains a selection of seven miracles, or signs, of Jesus that bear witness to His being God's Son. The word believe is the key word in John's gospel; it occurs 98 times. The life Jesus gives is abundant salvation for sinners (10:10): "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." (John 17:3)
There's one other point to be made about the four gospels-they present an autobiography of the Lord's time on earth. Jesus lived here about 33 years. Anyone who desires information about His teachings, miracles, conduct, or any other personal facts can find that information in the FOUR GOSPELS. (KMG)