After studying this section you should:

• know why the Gospels were written
• know the different interpretations of the Gospels
• understand how the Gospels were spread
• know the key groups in Jesus’ lifetime and the environment he worked in
• understand how the Gospels are important to Christians today

The Gospels are your most important resource in a study of Christianity. Christians obtain most of their knowledge and understanding of Jesus from the Gospels.

Christians regard the Gospels as the Word of God and often treat them with more awe and reverence than other parts of the Bible.