Why Were the Gospels Not Immediately Written Down?

The delay in writing the Gospels is a fascinating aspect of early Christianity. This article explores the historical and theological reasons behind this delay, drawing from first-hand accounts and expert analysis. Let's examine why the tales of Jesus, as told by illiterate goat herders, took some time to be written down.

The Historical Context

Following the founding of the Roman state religion in the 4th century, a cobbled-together mix of pagan components, distorted Jewish mythology, and exclusively pagan feast days, it took a few decades for the human authors of the Gospels to finalize their works. Known as the Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus, these primitive prototype bibles are reflective of the late 4th century and the evolving theological landscape of the time.

Immediate Writing? Not Likely

One might assume that if Jesus were coming tomorrow, the need to write a book about Him today would be evident. However, the Gospels were not written to document historical events but to present theological narratives. The authors were inspired by their faith and the teachings of figures like Paul, whose writings are the earliest in the New Testament. Mark’s Gospel, for instance, is clearly Pauline in theology, while Matthew is Petrine, and Luke and John are both deeply influenced by Paul’s teachings.

A Lack of Pressing Need for Decades

Initially, there wasn't a strong imperative to write the Gospels. Many early Christians wrote their own accounts, but it wasn't until about a decade later that the decision was made to produce a Gospel in Aramaic for Jewish Christians. The early years of Christianity faced significant challenges, including attacks by both Jews and Romans. Evidence suggests that search parties and Jewish agents were systematically trying to extinguish the new religion. St. Paul and Acts mention the relentless pursuit of Christians, and the Romans were actively suppressing any rivals to Emperor Nero.

The Security of Gospel Writers

The writers of the Gospels, along with the likes of St. Paul's letters, were in a precarious position. To have these documents in one's possession would have been a catalyst for immediate attention. Mark's Gospel is believed to have been secretly written around 66-70 AD during a period of extreme turmoil, possibly leading up to the Roman destruction of the Temple. Whether Mark was one of Jesus' disciples or a later companion of Saint Peter, he and the other Gospel writers would have certainly faced significant threats.

With the dispersion of the Jews, the remaining Gospel writers had more time and space to research and reflect on the stories and experiences of Christ. Saint Luke, in particular, would have been influenced by Paul, bleeding him of all information and insights. The Evangelists were never free from the fear of being caught with these documents, which is why there are no signatures on the manuscripts.

Continued Relevance of the Gospels

To this day, the Gospels continue to be a subject of study and scrutiny. Questions about their origins, content, and reliability are still being debated. However, their significance in shaping Christianity cannot be overstated. The delay in writing the Gospels reflects the challenges faced by early Christians and the evolving nature of their faith.

Whether you view the delay in writing the Gospels as a pragmatic response to the persecution faced by early Christians or a strategic decision to refine and disseminate the message of Jesus, it is clear that these texts hold a unique and profound place in the history of Christianity.