• Starting today August 7th, 2024, in order to post in the Married Couples, Courting Couples, or Singles forums, you will not be allowed to post if you have your Marital status designated as private. Announcements will be made in the respective forums as well but please note that if yours is currently listed as Private, you will need to submit a ticket in the Support Area to have yours changed.

Which of the 4 Gospels is best to introduce to a non-Christian?

Jump to latest Follow Reply
Status
Not open for further replies.
Sort by date Sort by votes

haya

daughter of the King
Jan 17, 2004
7,272
545
USA
✟32,605.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
I'm not sure if this is the "right" forum to post this question, but I looked around at other forums and didn't see a more fitting place.

Here's my question:
I'm hoping (praying!!) to start a Bible study with a non-Christian coworker. Just a one-on-one inductive manuscript study. Since she has no knowledge of Scripture, I figured that one of the Gospels would be the best place to start.

But I've heard it said that a certain Gospel might be better to introduce to non-Christians than another certain Gospel. For example, if I recall correctly, the Gospel of Matthew shouldn't be used with Muslims as an introduction to the Bible because they heartily disagree with the geneology of Jesus, or the man-God concept, and so it would start things off on the wrong foot; better to take a look at the Gospel of Mark instead, for example. This particular coworker isn't Muslim (although I do have another coworker who is, and I'd like info, but that's for a different post!). But you get the idea.

So.. does anybody have expertise in the area of evangelism or introducing the Bible to non-Christians? Thanks!
 

JMRE5150

Was Lost, Now Found!
Nov 21, 2003
948
271
54
Levittown, PA
Visit site
✟2,627.00
Faith
Protestant
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
The Gospel of John seems to be the default choice for spreading God's word to non-Christians.


In fact, more "mini-bibles" are made (they are about 2 1/2 inches tall by 1 1/2 inches wide) about the Gospel of John than any other gospel. Its the favorite choice that christians use to witness...

That, in my opinion, would be what I would choose.

Robb
 
Upvote 0
M

muffler dragon

Ineffable
Apr 7, 2004
7,320
382
50
✟31,896.00
Faith
Judaism
Marital Status
Married
To me, it really depends on the person.

Luke is the most detailed, and thus, beneficial for the Type A crowd.
John is great, because it paints Christ in such a Deity sense.
Matthew is great for someone involved with the Old Testament.
Mark is the quick hit. Someone who wants the slam-bam-thank you-man in a two part sitting.

Take your pick.
 
Reactions: haya
Upvote 0
N

nwmsugrad

Regular Member
Feb 26, 2004
199
1
51
✟15,335.00
Faith
Christian
The book of John was written for evangelistic purposes while the other Gosples were written to believers.

John 20:30-31 (KJV)

30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:

31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
 
Upvote 0

Under_His_Shadow

HowwellIre-Member
Feb 15, 2004
574
96
So.Ca.
✟1,223.00
Faith
Christian
Actually the "Gospel" is more clearly and thoroughly taught in Paul's epistles than it is in either the 3 Synoptic Gospels, or in John, but since you're asking about them, most scholars seem to suggest studying John first. If I remember correctly, R.C. Sproul suggests teaching new believers the book of Mark first, and then jumping next to either Genesis or Exodus, and then to Psalms, etc. He also says, if limited to reading only one book of the Bible, his choice would be Hebrews, but regarding that, keep in mind that he's a bible scholar and theologian (who happens to be a "Calvinist").
 
Upvote 0

C.A.B.L

Active Member
Apr 5, 2004
308
38
40
Houston, Texas
✟663.00
Faith
Christian
I would have to agree that Paul's epistles do give the best explanation of the Gospels for a non-Christian. But for foundational witnessing I would have to agree that John is the best. It proves Jesus Deity right off the bat and doesn't lead up to it, goes in depth to why Jesus had to die, and what you have to do now that you are a Christian. So I would have to recommend that one myself.
 
Upvote 0

eutychus

the phlegmatic one
Feb 7, 2004
615
60
40
Louisville
Visit site
✟23,562.00
Faith
Calvinist
Politics
US-Others
Though many promote John as being used to evangelize, I'd go with Mark. I believe that while John is steeped in Christology, Mark does a splendid job of explaining God's power found in Jesus. Not only is it shorter, but it's less-wordy, action-packed, and the end of the book is quick and to the point. Jesus is resurrected, and then he tells his disciples to go preach his name (a great, quick transition into direct witnessing if the opportunity hadn't been given before throughout the Bible study).
 
Upvote 0

phylaax

high schooler
Feb 25, 2004
183
10
36
✟366.00
Faith
Christian
I wouldn't use any particular gospel, just tell your friend what each of them do, the differences between them (and why we would have reason to be concerned if there were NO difference at all cuz they were eye-witness accounts), and the story they all convey. Pick one to use mainly depending on what kinda person they are, though.
 
Upvote 0

Acolyte

Wisdom is a kindly spirit
Mar 15, 2004
236
9
40
✟415.00
Faith
Catholic
If you want to evangilize I believe it is neccesary to present to whole of all of the gospels to an un-believer. To completley give him/her the full picture you must present them with the full story. There are certain aspects of Christianity that are explained in 1 gospel but not the next. So in short, all of them are the best and none of them are least.
 
Upvote 0
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

How the prosperity gospel has driven Nigerian Christians away from Christ
Replies
3
Views
273
General Theology
Guojing
G
A Pure Virgin to Christ
Replies
0
Views
234
Deeper Fellowship
Christsfreeservant
D
How common is Socianism amongst christians?
Replies
8
Views
427
General Theology
The Liturgist
Our Participation in The Gospel
Replies
0
Views
263
Missions, Evangelism & Witnessing
Christsfreeservant
The only country that has the Bible on its flag
Replies
1
Views
122
One Bread, One Body - Catholic
RileyG
Menu
Log in
Register