Now Matthew published among the Hebrews a written gospel also in their own tongue, while Peter and Paul were preaching in Rome and founding the church. But after their death Mark also, the disciple and interpreter of Peter, himself handed down to us in writing the things which were preached by Peter, and Luke also, who was a follower of Paul, put down in a book the gospel which was preached by him. Then John, the disciple of the Lord, who had even rested on his breast, himself also gave forth the gospel, while he was living at Ephesus in Asia.
Against the Heresies (3:1:1) quoted in Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History (5:8:2-4), first clear mention of the four biblical gospels in the year of 180
quoted in Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History (5:8:2-4), first clear mention of the four biblical gospels in the year of 180
But it is not possible that the Gospels can be either more or fewer in number than they are. For since there are four zones in the world in which we live, and four principal winds … it is fitting that the Church have four pillars, breathing incorporation on every side … [God] gave us the gospel under four different forms but bound together by one spirit.
Against the Heresies (3:11:8)
Those who are truly his [Jesus’] disciples actually do drive out demons. … Others foresee things that will happen; then see visions and speak prophecies … others, still, heal the sick by laying their hands upon them, and they are completely healthy … Yes, and furthermore, as I have said, even the dead have been raised up, and they have remained alive among us for many years.
as quoted by Elaine Pagels in Beyond Belief, p. 91