Clement 180 A.D. (Egypt)
- Mark wrote the Gospel. By request from the knowledge of Peter’s preaching at Rome.
- Matthew and Luke were published first; they are the Gospels containing the genealogies.
- John’s Gospel was the last one to appear. It was written at the urging of his friends.
Irenaeus 180 A.D. (France)
- Matthew’s Gospel was the first one written; it was originally written in the Hebrew dialect.
- Mark, a disciple of Peter, handed down in his Gospel what Peter had preached.
Luke, a companion of Paul, recorded in a book the Gospel preached by him. - John, the disciple of the Lord, published a Gospel while living at Ephesus in Asia.
Justin Martyr 150 A.D. (Israel)
- The Christians possessed “memoirs” of Jesus, which were also called “Gospels”.
- These were written by apostles and by those who were their followers.
- They tell us of such events as the visit of the Magi at Jesus’ birth and his agony in Gethsemane.
- Justin’s pupil, Tatian, produced a harmony of our for Gospels, the Diatessaron.
Papias 125 A.D. (Greece)
- Mark, having been the interpreter of Peter, wrote down what Peter had preached accurately, though not necessarily in order.
- Matthew wrote the oracles (a reference sayings of Jesus in his Gospel) in the Hebrew language.
Basilides 125 A.D. (Egypt
- “That each man has his own appointed time, he says, the Savior sufficiently indicates when he says, ‘My hour is not yet come.’”
- “…this, he says, is what is mentioned in the Gospels: ‘He was the true light, which lights every man coming into the world.’” (referencing John 1:9)
Ignatius and Polycarp (Asia Minor)
- Ignatius, Letter to Polycarp 107 A.D. : “in all circumstances be ‘wise as a serpent’ and perpetually ‘harmless as a dove.’” (referencing Matt. 10:16)
- Polycarp, Letter to the Philippians 108 A.D.: Blessed are the poor and those persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of God.” (referencing Luke 6:20)