The gospels was written decades after Jesus’ death. How did the 4 authors write it word for word?

 The Gospels, which are the first four books of the New Testament in the Christian Bible (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), are believed to have been written by different authors, each offering their unique perspective on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The traditional Christian belief is that these books were written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Here are some key points to consider regarding the authorship and writing of the Gospels:

1. **Oral Tradition:** In the ancient world, oral tradition played a significant role in passing down stories and teachings. Before the Gospels were written, the events and sayings of Jesus were likely transmitted orally within the Christian communities.

2. **Eyewitness Accounts:** The Gospels of Matthew and John are traditionally attributed to two of Jesus' apostles, who would have been eyewitnesses to many of the events they describe. Mark is often considered to have recorded the teachings of Peter, another apostle. Luke is believed to have gathered information from various sources, including eyewitnesses.

3. **Inspiration of the Holy Spirit:** Christian tradition holds that the authors of the Gospels were inspired by the Holy Spirit to accurately convey the teachings and events of Jesus' life. This inspiration is believed to have guided them in writing the Gospels, ensuring that they conveyed the message faithfully.

4. **Written Sources:** It is possible that the Gospel writers had access to written or oral sources that preceded them. Matthew and Luke, in particular, share common material not found in Mark, leading to the hypothesis of a shared source called "Q" (from the German word "Quelle," meaning source).

5. **Different Perspectives:** Each Gospel writer had a unique perspective, audience, and purpose in mind when composing their Gospel. Matthew, for example, emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish prophecies, while Luke highlights the compassion of Jesus for all people, Jew and Gentile alike.

It's important to note that while the Gospels were written decades after Jesus' death, the goal of the authors was not necessarily to provide a strict chronological account but to convey the theological significance of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.

The question of how the authors wrote the Gospels word for word is a complex one. The traditional Christian belief is that they were guided by divine inspiration, and while scholars acknowledge the presence of similarities and differences among the Gospels, they also recognize the distinctive theological emphases and perspectives of each Gospel writer. Historical and literary analysis of the Gospels continues to be a topic of scholarly research and discussion.