Christians often employ the word “gospel,” for example, “We need to go share the gospel with them.” Does our understanding of this common term accurately reflect Jesus’ meaning?
In the first part of this three-part series, we looked at the meaning of the gospel in the Greco-Roman world. We noted that “gospel” or “good news” (euangelion in Greek) proclamations were declared when a new Caesar was enthroned, to announce his birthday, or to celebrate a Roman army victory.
Our focus in the second part was how euangelizo (bringing good news) was used in the Greek Old Testament, zeroing in on its use by the prophet Isaiah. We discovered the good news Isaiah wrote about gives clear links to Jesus in messianic prophecies.
“Repent and Believe in the Gospel”
If someone asked you to explain the Christian meaning of the gospel, how would you answer? Many would say, “The gospel is the good news that Jesus came to die for people’s sins so they can go to heaven.” While that certainly is extremely good news and contains truth, is that how Jesus uses the term?
Since we looked at the use of “gospel” in Mark 1:1 in our first post in this series, let’s see how Jesus speaks of it later in Mark 1 when he begins his ministry:
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
Mark 1:14-15 ESV
What Does Jesus Mean by the “Gospel?”
We saw in the prior post how Isaiah used euangelion (Hebrew besorah) about a coming messianic king. As we see in the verse above, Jesus continues this line of thought. He announces the euangelion of God’s kingdom has arrived. God is restoring his reign.
We examined Isaiah’s introduction to the coming Messiah in chapter 40. The prophet continues unveiling this messianic figure in subsequent chapters, reaching a climax in chapters 52-53 with the surprising twist of God’s Servant King suffering and dying. But the messianic revelation does not stop there, as Isaiah’s prophecy continues with a new covenant and new creation.
Studying Isaiah is key to understanding Jesus’ teaching and ministry. And remarkably, the predicted kingdom foretold to Israel is not only for them, but all nations.
The Gospel of the Kingdom
The timing of when Jesus uses this term can help us discover his meaning. Let’s explore if he uses it more often before or after his death and resurrection since many people equate this with the gospel.
Once again Bible software can help us quickly find all uses by Jesus of euangelion (or euangelizo) in the four biographies of his life (also labeled as gospels, but this usage is more like a genre). There are fourteen mentions of the term in these books. Guess how many are after Jesus’ resurrection? Only one! If the gospel refers to Jesus’ death and resurrection, why does he mostly mention it before these events?
Jesus’ use of the term must refer to something broader than his coming death and resurrection. Jesus speaks of receiving the good news of his kingdom. This involves repenting and submitting oneself to King Jesus. He calls this “entering the kingdom of God.” This begins with a decision but involves an ongoing posture, leading to a transformed life. In addition to trusting Jesus for life in the world to come, he also wants to be king of our lives here and now and spread his rule and reign on the earth.
The Great Commission of Sharing the Gospel
After Jesus rises from the dead, he commissions his followers to make disciples and teach all he had commanded. More than anything else, Jesus taught about the kingdom of God.
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
Matthew 28:18-20 ESV
The Apostles’ Use of “Gospel”
We may get the understanding of the gospel as Jesus’ death and resurrection because most of the uses of the Greek words behind gospel or good news in the New Testament are in the works of the apostles, 108 out of 129 occurrences.
These authors could look back at the big picture of Jesus’ teaching about both his kingdom and his enthronement at his death, resurrection, and ascension. So it isn’t incorrect to say the gospel includes Jesus’ death and resurrection, but that is only part of the wider scope. The apostle Paul defines the good news of the gospel as the fulfillment of Scripture with Jesus’ resurrection and being declared the Son of God and Lord. (Romans 1:1-4)
Many think of “eternal life” as only about one’s after-death state. However, Jesus provided this explanation:
And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
John 17:3 ESV
The good news of the gospel is being part of God’s kingdom here and now plus in the world to come. The biblical meaning of “know” implies something personal and intimate, not only an intellectual understanding. This wonderful eternal life begins when we have a relationship with God the Father and his Son Jesus.
Recap of the Meaning and Use of the Word “Gospel”
The context of the author and his culture demonstrates various meanings of this popular word. A connecting thread is kingship. Euangelion was used when Roman emperors were enthroned, Isaiah uses it of a coming messianic king, and Jesus with his kingdom. We read in Acts 2:33-34 how Jesus is seated at God the Father’s right hand after his return from his earthly mission.
To summarize, the good news of the gospel is that Jesus is the true king of the universe. He came to earth to teach about his kingdom and to become enthroned. He invites each person to enter his kingdom and submit to him. Spread this best news!
Resources to Learn More
These thoughts might be new to you. Watch Bible Project’s word study video on euangelion for a helpful audiovisual review of this topic. Click here for their short video on the gospel of the kingdom. Another helpful resource is this five-minute video by renowned theologian N.T. Wright, “What is the Gospel?”