# The Genre of the Gospels: Historical Biography or Myth? The genre of the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—is a foundational issue in biblical studies and Christian apologetics. Determining their genre helps us assess their historical reliability and intended purpose. The Gospels fit the genre of **ancient Greco-Roman biography** (or *bioi*), characterized by an intent to document real lives within historical contexts. Critics, such as [[@Cross2005-fn|Rudolf Bultmann]], argue that the Gospels contain theological embellishments, undermining their historical value. Modern scholarship, including N.T. Wright’s *[[@Wright2003-bg|The Resurrection of the Son of God]]*, counters that the Gospels' emphasis on the physical resurrection—a radical claim in both Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts—points to a genuine historical core rather than mythologizing tendencies. Their reliance on eyewitness testimony, historical specificity, and lack of mythological elements all point to their authenticity as historical documents. # Key Characteristics of Greco-Roman Biography Found in the Gospels Richard A. Burridge's "*[[@Burridge2018-iw|What Are the Gospels? A Comparison with Greco-Roman Biography]]*" argues convincingly that the Gospels are best understood as examples of the ancient genre of Greco-Roman biography. Burridge compares the Gospels with well-known biographies from the Greco-Roman world, such as: Plutarch’s *Lives*, Suetonius’ [[@Tranquillus1957-kh|Lives of the Caesars]] and Tacitus’ [[@Tacitus2023-sd|Agricola]]: Here's how Burridge makes his case: 1. **Focus on a Central Figure**: Greco-Roman biographies typically center on a single individual, detailing their life, character, and deeds. The Gospels focus entirely on Jesus Christ, with their structure and content emphasizing His ministry, teachings, death, and resurrection. 2. **Selective Storytelling**: Like other *bioi*, the Gospels do not aim to provide a comprehensive chronological history, but instead highlight key events and themes that reveal the subject's nature. For example, much of the Gospels' content is concentrated on Jesus' public ministry and Passion Week, paralleling the selective treatment in works like Plutarch's *Lives*. Unlike mythological texts, which often occur in timeless, otherworldly settings, the Gospels include verifiable historical details. For instance: the Genealogies in Matthew and Luke, as well as the Crucifixion under Pilate ground Jesus in a well-documented historical period (See [[Belief In The Resurrection Is Reasonable#Jesus Was A Real Person|Jesus Was A Real Person]]). 3. **Combination of Chronology and Themes** : Greco-Roman biographies frequently blend chronological events with thematic explorations, as seen in the Gospels. For instance, Mark arranges Jesus' ministry geographically (Galilee, journey to Jerusalem, events in Jerusalem) while also exploring recurring themes like discipleship and the “Messianic secret.” . Both Greco-Roman biographies and the Gospels aim to teach and inspire their audiences like in Thucydides’ [[@Thucydides2023-om|History of the Peloponnesian War]]. While *bioi* typically sought to extol virtues or philosophical ideals through the subject’s life, the Gospels aim to present Jesus as the divine Son of God and Savior. 4. **Use of Oral Traditions and Witness Accounts** Ancient biographies frequently relied on oral reports and eyewitness testimony to construct their narratives, much like the Gospels, which reflect oral traditions passed down within early Christian communities. Luke’s prologue (Luke 1:1-4) explicitly states the reliance on eyewitnesses and careful investigation. Similarly, John claims direct testimony in [John 21:24](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/JHN.21.24). Ancient biographers like Plutarch or Suetonius relied on eyewitness sources to ensure historical credibility. The Gospel writers' emphasis on firsthand accounts suggests their intent was historical, not mythical. 5. **Historical Context**: The Gospels situate Jesus in a specific historical and cultural context, detailing real people, places, and events. References to figures like Pontius Pilate, Herod, and Caiaphas, as well as archaeological evidence confirming locations like [[The Town Of Nazareth]], Capernaum and Jerusalem, support their historical grounding. Craig Keener, in [[@Keener2012-jw|The Historical Jesus of the Gospels]], argues that such specificity is inconsistent with myth making, which typically lacks concrete historical anchors. C.S. Lewis, a scholar of mythology, famously remarked: > [!quote] [[@Lewis1981-us|Christian Reflections]] > “I have been reading myths all my life. I know what they are like. I know none that are like this.” The Gospels lack the fantastical embellishments typical of myths, focusing instead on plausible, human experiences. As Burridge concludes: > [!quote] [[@Burridge2018-iw|What Are the Gospels?]] > “The Gospels are biographies, albeit with their own distinctive features. They tell the story of a person, Jesus, whose life, teaching, and significance continue to transform lives.” ## There is an abundance of proof showing the Gospels Are Reliable > [!success] The Reliability of the Gospels > The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are foundational texts for the Christian faith, a wealth of historical and textual evidence supports their integrity. Early church traditions, manuscript evidence, and internal features affirm their reliability and preservation. The Gospels are closely tied to the apostles and their associates. Testimonies from early church figures like Papias and Polycarp confirm their authorship, with external corroboration from figures like Irenaeus. The consistency of embarrassing details, eyewitness testimony, and cultural accuracy further supports their authenticity. Textual criticism also demonstrates that over 99% of the New Testament text remains unchanged, offering a compelling case for the Gospels' preservation and trustworthiness. >> [!info] See [[The Gospels are Reliable Accounts]]