Final answer:
The Gospels, consisting of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, are the books in the New Testament that detail Jesus' life. They are central to understanding the beginnings of Christian doctrine and are often studied for both their historical context and theological content.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Gospels are the four books from the Christian New Testament that comprehensively record the life of Jesus: namely, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Each of these books provides a unique perspective on Jesus' life, teachings, death, and resurrection. They are considered the heart of the New Testament, both for historical and theological studies, as they document the origins of Christian thought and practice.
When studying the New Testament, it is important to understand the context in which these texts were written. Johnson's work often touches on the historical setting, authorship, audience, and the purpose behind each of the Gospels. This approach helps readers to distinguish the different themes and messages that each Gospel writer intended to convey to their respective communities.
For anyone looking to explore the origins of the New Testament and gain deep insight into the life and times of Jesus Christ as portrayed by these texts, the comprehensive but concise introduction provided by Johnson can be an invaluable resource.