Matthew, Mark and Luke have for centuries been treasured as authoritative witnesses to the mission, message, and ministry of Jesus Christ, Messiah, Savior, and Lord. They also offer decisive testimony to the faith professed by the early Christian community. The Synoptics challenge the contemporary church to a continual reexamination of its beliefs and wirness to the good news of reconciliation and salvation in Christ. Each gospel receives separate treatment. Yet the author never forgets that together they put us in touch with apostolic proclamation, which is foundational to the church's existence in our contemporary age.