Who Wrote the New Testament?
Quick Summary
Who wrote the New Testament? This article walks through the traditional attributions and scholarly insights for each Gospel and major New Testament letter. From the four Evangelists to the apostle Paul and beyond, explore who wrote what, what we know for sure, and what remains debated.
Introduction
The New Testament is a collection of 27 books that form the theological and narrative core of Christianity. It includes Gospels, letters (or epistles), and apocalyptic literature. But who actually wrote these books? And how confident are scholars and church traditions in these attributions?
This post offers a concise guide to the authors of the New Testament, exploring both the traditional claims and modern critical perspectives. We’ll cover the Gospel writers, Pauline and General Epistles, and the apocalyptic book of Revelation.
Sources consulted include Raymond E. Brown’s An Introduction to the New Testament (1997) and D.A. Carson and Douglas J. Moo’s An Introduction to the New Testament (2005).
Gospel Authors: Who Wrote the Four Gospels?
Matthew
Traditional Attribution: Matthew the tax collector, one of the twelve disciples (Matthew 9:9).
Modern Scholarship: The Gospel is anonymous. Many scholars believe it was written by a Greek-speaking Jewish Christian around 80–90 AD, drawing heavily on Mark and a hypothetical source called "Q" (short for Quelle, the German word for "source").
Key Insight: Despite being placed first in the New Testament, Matthew was likely not the first Gospel written. Its literary structure and Jewish overtones make it a favorite in liturgical and teaching settings.
Mark
Traditional Attribution: John Mark, a companion of Peter (1 Peter 5:13), and cousin of Barnabas (Colossians 4:10).
Modern Scholarship: Considered the earliest Gospel (ca. 65–70 AD). Early Church Fathers like Papias (ca. 125 AD) claimed Mark wrote down Peter’s recollections.
Key Insight: Its concise and fast-paced narrative lends it urgency. Mark emphasizes Jesus’ suffering and humanity.
Luke
Traditional Attribution: Luke, the beloved physician (Colossians 4:14), and traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10).
Modern Scholarship: Most scholars agree that the author of Luke-Acts was a well-educated Gentile Christian writing in the late first century (ca. 80–90 AD). Luke-Acts is a two-volume work.
Key Insight: Luke is the only Gospel writer who also authored a sequel—Acts of the Apostles. Together, they make up about 27% of the New Testament.
John
Traditional Attribution: John the son of Zebedee, one of the twelve apostles (John 21:24).
Modern Scholarship: The Gospel is anonymous and likely composed by a community linked to the "Beloved Disciple." Scholars debate whether John the apostle was the direct author.
Key Insight: John’s Gospel stands apart for its theological depth, poetic structure, and high Christology.
Pauline Epistles: Letters from Paul
Paul is traditionally credited with writing 13 New Testament letters. Scholars affirm 7 of these as genuinely Pauline:
Romans
1 and 2 Corinthians
Galatians
1 Thessalonians
Philemon
The following letters are debated (sometimes called the "Deutero-Pauline" epistles):
Colossians
2 Thessalonians
1 and 2 Timothy
Titus
Key Insight: Whether written by Paul or his disciples, these letters shaped early Christian doctrine and practice. The pastoral epistles (1–2 Timothy, Titus) raise questions about vocabulary, style, and church structure that seem more developed than Paul’s era.
General Epistles: Other New Testament Letters
Hebrews
Author: Anonymous. Traditionally attributed to Paul, but most scholars reject Pauline authorship today.
Key Insight: The polished Greek and unique theology suggest a different author—possibly Apollos or another educated believer (see Brown, pp. 681–689).
James
Traditional Attribution: James the brother of Jesus (Galatians 1:19).
Modern Scholarship: Possibly authentic, though some suggest it was compiled posthumously by followers.
1–2 Peter
Traditional Attribution: The apostle Peter.
Modern Scholarship: 1 Peter may have been dictated by Peter to a scribe; 2 Peter is widely considered pseudonymous.
1–3 John
Traditional Attribution: The apostle John.
Modern Scholarship: Likely written by the Johannine community; author of 2 and 3 John calls himself "the elder."
Jude
Traditional Attribution: Jude, brother of James (and therefore also of Jesus).
Modern Scholarship: Generally accepted as authentic by many scholars.
Revelation
Traditional Attribution: John of Patmos, often identified as the apostle John.
Modern Scholarship: The style and language differ significantly from the Gospel of John. The author identifies himself simply as "John" (Revelation 1:1, 1:9).
Key Insight: Whether apostolic or not, the author was a Jewish Christian familiar with the Hebrew Bible, writing to persecuted churches in Asia Minor.
Conclusion
The New Testament reflects a diverse group of voices—apostles, companions, scribes, and communities. Some authors are well-attested by tradition and early Church writings. Others remain shrouded in mystery. Yet all are part of a sacred library that continues to shape lives and faith around the world.
Works Consulted
Raymond E. Brown, An Introduction to the New Testament, Yale University Press, 1997.
D.A. Carson and Douglas J. Moo, An Introduction to the New Testament, Zondervan, 2005.
FAQ
Did Paul write all the letters attributed to him?
No. Scholars agree on seven letters as authentically Pauline. Others may have been written by his disciples or in his name.
Were the Gospel writers eyewitnesses?
Mark and Luke likely were not. Matthew and John may have drawn on apostolic traditions, but modern scholarship questions direct eyewitness authorship.
Why are some letters anonymous?
In ancient times, authority often came through tradition rather than individual fame. Some authors may have intentionally omitted their names to focus on Christ.
