What is the difference between a gospel and a letter in the New Testament?

• A. Gospels narrate the life and works of Jesus; epistles are letters to churches or individuals
• B. Gospels narrate the life of Jesus; epistles are biographies
• C. Gospels narrate the acts of the apostles; epistles are sermon collections
• D. Gospels narrate the life and teachings of Jesus; epistles are prayers

Answer: (D)

Gospels present Jesus’ life, his ministry, his teachings, death, and resurrection in a narrative way to show who he is and why his message matters. Epistles are letters written to specific churches or individuals; their main purpose is to explain beliefs, address issues in the communities, give instruction for how to live, and encourage faith. Prayers can appear in epistles, but their primary function isn’t to be a collection of prayers; it’s to convey doctrine and practical guidance. So the difference is that the gospels tell the story of Jesus, while the epistles communicate theological ideas and practical advice to particular readers.