The Symbols of the Four Gospels (and Evangelists)

The symbols of the gospels (and four evangelists) are often on display in various church artwork and architecture. The evangelists are the four human gospel writers: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The unique ways in which each gospel presents the life and teachings of Jesus Christ led to the development of distinct symbols:

Matthew = Winged Man (Angel)
Mark = Winged Lion
Luke = Winged Ox
John = Winged Eagle

The Living Creatures in the Book of Revelation

These symbols are featured in John’s vision of heaven in the Book of Revelation with four creatures surrounding the throne of the Lord: “the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with a face like a human, and the fourth living creature like a flying eagle” (Rev 4:7). This passage echoes Ezekiel’s vision of heaven and the “face of a human being, the face of a lion on the right side, the face of an ox on the left side, and the face of an eagle” (Ez 1:10).

Early theologians including St. Irenaeus, St. Augustine, and St. Jerome connected these four living creatures to the four gospel writers.

The Meaning of Each Symbol

The winged man (or angel) connects to the Gospel of Matthew because the early focus on Jesus’s humanity through early genealogy traced back to Abraham.

The winged lion refers to the Gospel of Mark because as the king of the animals it represents Jesus Christ the King but also the Resurrection because lions are believed to sleep with their eyes open.

The winged ox connects to the Gospel of Luke as a symbol for the sacrifice Jesus made on the Cross as well as his identity as high priest in the line of Melchizedek.

The winged eagle represents the Gospel of John by flying high into the sky to remind us of Jesus’s Divinity (as the Word), which is highlighted the most in John’s gospel.

When they appear together as one image or scene, they are called the Tetramorph (tetra means “four,” and morph means “shape”). Jesus often appears in the center in majesty on a throne.

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[DavidRodriguez-cmqg]

Matthew focuses on Jesus being human.

Mark, Luke, and John focus on Jesus being divine.
Luke is Jesus as priest,
Mark is Jesus as prophet,
John is Jesus as king.

Am I right, religion teacher?

[benfrank]

Matthew's gospel starts with Jesus' genealogy going through the kingly line of David & Solomon. In the next chapter the wise come to worship him who is born king of the Jews.
Luke's genealogy traces Jesus' ancestry back to Adam, the first man. Luke also gives details of Jesus' human birth & childhood not found in any of the other Gospels.

[harryedwindavies]

What 4 evangelists? Please, I’m getting more confused ??