Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John present the one true gospel (see Gal. 1:6-9) from four different perspectives. Each writer has a particular audience in mind as he portrays the life of Jesus. Major themes within each account compose the acrostic “FACT.”
     Fulfillment. It is believed that the Gospel of Matthew was sent primarily to Jewish Christians. Matthew includes the greatest number of quotations from the Old Testament in any New Testament book. He does this to prove that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah), the fulfillment of the Old Testament.
     Action. It is believed that the Gospel of Mark was sent primarily to Gentile Christians, possibly in Rome. Mark’s account is the most concise as he portrays Jesus as a “man of action,” a powerful miracle worker. The episodes of Jesus’ life are woven together by the Greek word eutheos which is translated “straightway,” “immediately,” “at once,” and “without delay.”
     Compassion. The Gospel of Luke was addressed to “most excellent Theophilus” (Lk. 1:3), but it was certainly intended for a wider audience among the Gentiles. This book was the first of two volumes, the second being Acts. Luke demonstrates the compassion of Jesus for the disenfranchised of Jewish society: women, the poor, Samaritans, tax collectors, and sinners.
     Truth. It is believed that the Gospel of John was written for Christians and non-Christians alike, possibly in Ephesus. John emphasizes the evidence or testimony for faith in Jesus. “Truth” is a key word, occurring over 50 times in the account. Jesus’ miracles are signs that testify to the truth: Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (Jn. 20:30, 31).