Gospel

The English word “gospel” comes from Old English godspel (“good story” or “good news”). In Scripture, the word translates the Greek nouns εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion) and the related verbs εὐαγγελίζω / εὐαγγελίζομαι (euangelizō / euangelizomai), meaning “to announce good news.”

Greek Word: εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion)

The Greek word εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion) means Good news, glad tidings, a message of victory or salvation. εὖ (eu) means “good, well” and ἄγγελος (angelos) means “messenger” or “message” Thus, euangelion literally means “good message”.

In the Greco-Roman world, the word was used for announcements of military victory, news about the birth or enthronement of a king and proclamations of political or imperial benefit (“good news from Caesar”).

The New Testament deliberately use this word to proclaim a different king and kingdom, the reign of Jesus Christ.

Usage in the New Testament

The Gospel as the Message of Salvation

In its most central biblical sense, the “gospel” is the announcement of what God has accomplished in Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:1–4 says, “Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you… that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”

This shows that the Gospel is fundamentally about Christ’s death (sacrifice), His burial (proof of death), His resurrection (vindication and victory) and all in accordance with Scripture.

The Gospel as the Kingdom Message

Jesus preached the “gospel of the kingdom.”

Mark 1:14–15 says, “Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’”

Here, the Gospel announces the arrival of God’s kingdom, the call to repent and the invitation to believe.

The Gospel as God’s Power

Paul emphasizes its effectiveness. He wrote in Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” The Gospel is not merely information, it is God’s saving power unleashed through the proclamation of Christ.

The Gospel as a Stewarded Trust

The Gospel is also something entrusted to believers, especially those called to proclaim it. The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 2:4, “…we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel…”

The Verb: εὐαγγελίζω (euangelizō)

The verb means, “to announce good news,” “to proclaim the gospel.” As found in Luke 4:18, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me… to preach the gospel to the poor.” The verb emphasizes the act of proclamation, not merely the content.

Other Expressions Involving “Gospel” in the New Testament

The New Testament uses several descriptive phrases that highlight different aspects of the gospel:

·       “the gospel of God” (Rom. 1:1; 1 Thess. 2:2): originates in God.

·       “the gospel of Christ” (Rom. 15:19; 1 Cor. 9:12): centers on Christ.

·       “the gospel of the kingdom” (Matt. 4:23): announces God’s reign.

·       “the gospel of peace” (Eph. 6:15): brings reconciliation.

·       “the eternal gospel” (Rev. 14:6): timeless and universal.

·       “my gospel” (Rom. 2:16; 16:25): Paul’s entrusted proclamation, not a different message.

Summary of Meaning

Biblically, the word “gospel” (euangelion) means:

1.     Good News From God - It is not human invention but divine revelation.

2.     A Proclamation - Not advice, philosophy, or morality, but an announcement of what God has done in Christ.

3.     The Saving Work of the Lord Jesus - It centers on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins.

4.     The Arrival of God’s Kingdom - The gospel heralds the reign of Christ as King.

5.     God’s Power for Salvation - It is effective, transforming and reconciling those who believe.

Theological Summary

In the Bible, the Gospel is the climactic announcement of salvation and kingdom through Jesus Christ. It fulfills the Old Testament promises, offers forgiveness and new life, calls for repentance and faith, and establishes the hope of eternal life.

In short, the Gospel is the Good News of God’s saving work in Jesus Christ, proclaimed for the salvation of all who believe.