What Does the Word "Gospel" Mean?
GUEST POST: "Gospel" doesn't just mean "good news."
The word “gospel” appears 100 times in the New Testament.
The gospel is the central theme and news of the New Testament - and is what all of the Scripture points to (1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Luke 24:44-47).
But what does the word “gospel” mean? And more specifically, how did the people living in the first century (when the New Testament was written) think of the word “gospel?”
“Gospel” refers to history-making, earth-changing reports of victory.
In the Greco-Roman world, from the time of Alexander the Great and on into the Roman Empire, this word was used to refer to history-making, world-shaping reports of political, military, or societal victories. - (nickcady.org)
Yes, the word “gospel” means “good news,” - but it’s much more than that. Finding a gift card for Chick-fil-A is good news, but that’s not the kind of good news referred to by the word “gospel.”
When the word “gospel” was used in a first-century context, you knew something that would change the course of history and even your own life had happened.
The “Gospel of Christ” was a direct challenge to Rome and the “Gospel of Caesar.”
Mark opens his written testimony of Jesus’ life with the line: “The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” This wasn’t Mark just pulling words out of thin air; it was a direct challenge to Caesar’s power and place at the centre of history.
The gospel of Jesus’ kingdom constitutes a different centre of history. The scandal of this kingdom was its inauguration by an instrument of Roman power, the cross. The cross was supposed to weaken threats to Rome and silence Roman criminals. Instead, it became the power of God, bringing forgiveness, justice and mercy to all. (premierchristianity.com)
Rome and the Roman Caesars claimed to be the solution to all world problems. Through their rule, they would usher in a time of peace and prosperity. Everyone’s lives would be better because of the “gospel” of Roman victory and power.
The gospel of Christ is not just proclaiming the victory of Christ - but it’s also a proclamation that Rome’s “gospel” - or any other nation’s “gospel” - is far inferior.
Jesus is the King of a kingdom not like the kingdoms of this world (John 18:36-37). He is the “King of kings and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16).
The gospel of Christ is a proclamation of His victory and how His victory has forever changed this world and the lives of all who follow Him.
Jameson Steward is a full-time preacher from Athens, Alabama. His articles are shared five days a week to help teach, encourage, and keep you walking with Christ at https://centeredonchrist.substack.com
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This is good. This is like a special dessert. Thank you so much for sharing.
Excellent essay. Word meanings are important. Especially those that are key to our understanding of Christ's gospel itself.
The worked 'testament' in "New Testament" is probably better translated as 'covenant'. The gospel is a new covenant with humanity.
And the word 'love' in First Commandment might better be translated as 'devotion', 'to be devoted to'. The love required of us is not a feeling, it is a choice to put God above all else and to be absolutely devoted to Him.