We know there are many references to the gospel in the New Testament, but is this term used in the Old Testament?
Mark begins his account about Jesus with, “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet…” (Mark 1:1-2a). Is Mark saying Isaiah wrote about the gospel?
A Greco-Roman Gospel versus a Hebrew Gospel
In my previous post, we examined the meaning of “gospel” in the Greco-Roman world. To review, euangelion, the Greek word translated as “gospel” was a familiar term to those in the Roman Empire. “Gospel” or “good news” proclamations were declared when a new Caesar was enthroned or to announce his birthday or victory celebrations.
However, most early believers in Jesus were Jewish and didn’t have a Greco-Roman worldview. We associate “gospel” with the New Testament, but does the Old Testament refer to the gospel?
A couple of centuries before Jesus, the Hebrew Bible was translated into Greek. This is called the Septuagint, commonly abbreviated as the LXX (and much easier to spell!). With a little detective work, we can see if any of the translated Hebrew passages include the Greek word euangelion.
After a few clicks, Bible software reveals twenty-four occurrences of the Greek or Hebrew behind “good news.” The Greek words include both euangelion (good news) and euangelizo (bringing good news) — yes, we get our word “evangelize” from this! The Hebrew equivalent is besorah.
So what kinds of good news are these? Most often it is bringing the good news of a victorious battle in the books of Samuel and Kings. The second most common use is in Isaiah.
Isaiah’s Good News
How did Isaiah use this term? He writes extensively about a coming messianic figure. Yea, we are getting closer to linking the “gospel” to Jesus! Let’s glance at two of Isaiah’s verses that mention bringing good news/euangelizo. If you have the time, read the full chapters to get the broader context.
How beautiful upon the mountains
Isaiah 52:7 (ESV)
are the feet of him who brings good news,
who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness,
who publishes salvation,
who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”
Go on up to a high mountain,
Isaiah 40:9 (ESV)
O Zion, herald of good news;
lift up your voice with strength,
O Jerusalem, herald of good news;
lift it up, fear not;
say to the cities of Judah,
“Behold your God!”
In both of these passages, we note a herald on a mountain bearing a message to Zion. Jerusalem, synonymous with Zion, and the surrounding cities within the region of Judah are the recipients. With eager anticipation, the people gather and open their ears to listen.
The herald declares to behold God, their king who reigns. The monarch is bringing peace, happiness, and salvation. We see links here with Messiah Jesus. “Messiah” means “anointed one.” The ones most commonly anointed were kings. The angels declare in Luke 2 that the newborn child brings peace. His name, Jesus, means “salvation.”
What is the good news of the Messiah?
Note the increasing revelation of the coming Messiah as Isaiah 40 continues:
Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might,
Isaiah 40:10-11 (ESV)
and his arm rules for him;
behold, his reward is with him,
and his recompense before him.
He will tend his flock like a shepherd;
he will gather the lambs in his arms;
he will carry them in his bosom,
and gently lead those that are with young.
It sounds like the Lord GOD is coming with someone. Earlier in Isaiah 40, God prepares the way for the one he is bringing — the role John the Baptist filled, according to all four biographies about Jesus. His ruling arm evokes the frequent mention of God redeeming Israel from slavery in Egypt with a mighty arm and an outstretched arm (Deuteronomy 26:8 and more). Jesus will redeem people from the slavery of sin. The shepherd imagery recalls how God was Israel’s shepherd (Ezekiel 34:15 and more). Later, Jesus declares himself the Good Shepherd (John 10:14).
Hindsight makes these messianic prophecies clearer for us, the hints of the good news that was coming. In my next post, we’ll look closer at what this good news/gospel included.
Waiting for the good news
Although the first hearers expected Isaiah’s words to be fulfilled soon, keep in mind that Isaiah lived about 700 years before Jesus. Accordingly, Israel had a long time to wait. However, they were assured that God would act. In the hope of these promises, Israel continued to endure, especially in times of trial and trouble.
It has been two millennia since the arrival of this long-awaited Messiah, who we know as Jesus. During hard times, we may also grow impatient waiting for his promised second coming, but we can trust in God’s promises and his perfect timing. That’s really good news!
To learn more about the Hebraic background of the gospel and the messenger of the good news, click here.