Each may include different stories or see the same event from a different angle, but their differences would not mean they are in error. In the book of Acts, the Temple plays a central role in the nation of Israel. Historians agree it takes about two generations, or eighty years, for legendary accounts to establish themselves.When we put all four accounts together, we would get a richer picture of your life and character. So we acknowledge that differences do not necessarily mean errors. Most writings of the New Testament works were completed twenty to forty years before this. Luke writes as if the Temple is an important part of Jewish life. From the evidence, we can conclude the Gospels were indeed written by the authors they are attributed to.
The Greek version was probably finalised in the early Persian period and translated into Greek in the 3rd century BCE, and the Hebrew version dates from some point between then and the 2nd century BCE.
The Book of Ezekiel describes itself as the words of the Ezekiel ben-Buzi, a priest living in exile in the city of Babylon, and internal evidence dates the visions to between 593 and 571 BCE.
If they were identical, we would suspect the writers of collaboration with one another. Church fathers of the early second century were familiar with the apostle's writings and quoted them as inspired Scripture. The closer a historical record is to the date of the event, the more likely the record is accurate.
Because of their differences, the four Gospels actually give us a fuller and richer picture of Jesus. Imagine if four people wrote a biography on your life: your son, your father, a co-worker, and a good friend. It is strange that these three Gospels predict this major event but do not record it happening. Early dating allows for eyewitnesses to still be alive when the Gospels were circulating to attest to their accuracy.
The five books are drawn from four "sources" (distinct schools of writers rather than individuals): the Priestly source, the Yahwist and the Elohist (these two are often referred to collectively as the "non-Priestly" source), and the Deuteronomist.
This group of books, plus Deuteronomy, is called the "Deuteronomistic history" by scholars.
That's why Matthew includes many of the teachings of Christ and makes numerous references to Old Testament prophecies.
Mark wrote to a Greek or Gentile audience to prove that Jesus is the Son of God.
The reason for the variations is that each author wrote to a different audience and from his own unique perspective.
Matthew wrote to a Jewish audience to prove to them that Jesus is indeed their Messiah.
But some of the language and theology point to a much later date, from an unknown author using Paul's name.c. The elegance of the Greek and the sophistication of the theology do not fit the genuine Pauline epistles, but the mention of Timothy in the conclusion led to its being included with the Pauline group from an early date.c. This is apparently the latest writing in the New Testament, quoting from Jude, assuming a knowledge of the Pauline letters, and including a reference to the gospel story of the Transfiguration of Christ. The references to "brother of James" and to "what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold" suggest that it was written after the apostolic letters were in circulation, but before 2 Peter, which uses it.