Expert: Edward Bode - 3/6/2009

Question
Can you explain why each gospel writer has such a different view of jesus and tell different versions of the same story. Cruifixtion, birth, being the messiah  etc. I know everyone writes differently but one would think they would be aligned. Can you also recommand a good book about studying the bible.  Also where does verionca come in. I've always been brought up with the story of her wiping jesus's face but was told it is not bibical! Thank you for your time.
peace


Answer
Scholars have studied the "discordant concordance" of the gospels for many centuries.
The root reason for the differences is that each gospel writer gathered material [oral and written traditions] and then added his own perspective and thoughts on the matter.  The realtionships among the four are quite complex.  Matthew and Mark apparently used a common source for some material.  There are some agreements between Luke and John.  
For further details, I suggest you try to get through a library [loan]: Wilfrid Harrington, Record of Fulfillment: The New Testament [Chicago: Priory Press, 1965] and Record of the Promise: The Old Testament [Chicago: Priory Press, 1965].  For a very scholary approach to the NT, there is Raymond Collins, Introduction to the New Testament [Garden City: Doubleday, 1983].
Veronica is not mentioned in scripture.  Several old traditions speak of her and that led to her being in the Stations of the Cross.
Hope this helps, Kevin.  If you want more, please let me know.
As always, best wishes.