εὐαγγέλιον

Euangélion, often translated as "gospel," signifies a message of good news. In classical Greek, it could refer to good news of any kind, such as a victory in battle or the birth of a king. However, in the New Testament, its meaning is specifically tied to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. It encompasses the entirety of God's plan for salvation, from the incarnation and ministry of Jesus to his atoning death, resurrection, and ascension, and his eventual return.

The theological weight of euangélion is immense. It is the central message of Christianity, the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). Preaching the euangélion is the primary mission of the church, as commanded by Jesus himself. It is a message of hope, forgiveness, and new life for those who respond to it in faith and repentance. The content of this good news is God's gracious initiative to rescue humanity from sin and reconcile them to himself through his Son.

Key biblical usage highlights the dynamic nature of the gospel. Mark’s Gospel begins with "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God," immediately establishing its central theme. Paul frequently uses the term to describe the message he preaches, emphasizing both its divine origin and its transformative power. He refers to "my gospel" not as something he invented, but as the particular way God revealed the good news to him and through him. The gospel is something to be lived out, defended, and shared with all nations.