_______ gospel was the first written of the four.

• A. Mark's
• B. Matthew's
• C. Luke's
• D. John's

Answer: (A)

Mark's Gospel is the earliest written among the four. This is seen in how it presents a concise, action-driven narrative and how Matthew and Luke later expand on Mark's material, often adding long teachings and additional episodes. The dating consensus places Mark around 65–70 CE, earlier than Matthew and Luke (roughly 70–90 CE) and John (late first century to early second). Early church tradition, notably Papias as cited by later historians, also suggests Mark wrote down Peter’s memories, which fits with Mark serving as a foundational source for the others. The style difference reinforces the idea: Mark’s brisk pace and emphasis on Jesus’ suffering contrast with the more developed theological themes and extended discourses found in the other gospels, especially John.