<P> The meanings accruing to the symbols grew over centuries, with an early formulation by Jerome, and were fully expressed by Rabanus Maurus, who set out three layers of meaning for the beasts, as representing firstly the Evangelists, secondly the nature of Christ, and thirdly the virtues required of a Christian for salvation: These animals may have originally been seen as representing the highest forms of the various types of animals, i.e., man, the king of creation as the image of the creator; the lion as the king of beasts of prey (meat - eating); the ox as the king of domesticated animals (grass - eating) and the eagle as the king of the birds . </P> <Ul> <Li> Matthew the Evangelist, the author of the first gospel account, is symbolized by a winged man, or angel . Matthew's gospel starts with Joseph's genealogy from Abraham; it represents Jesus' Incarnation, and so Christ's human nature . This signifies that Christians should use their reason for salvation . </Li> </Ul> <Li> Matthew the Evangelist, the author of the first gospel account, is symbolized by a winged man, or angel . Matthew's gospel starts with Joseph's genealogy from Abraham; it represents Jesus' Incarnation, and so Christ's human nature . This signifies that Christians should use their reason for salvation . </Li> <Ul> <Li> Mark the Evangelist, the author of the second gospel account, is symbolized by a winged lion--a figure of courage and monarchy . The lion also represents Jesus' resurrection (because lions were believed to sleep with open eyes, a comparison with Christ in the tomb), and Christ as king . This signifies that Christians should be courageous on the path of salvation . </Li> </Ul>

When did matthew mark luke and john write the gospels