Gospel

Summary

The term 'gospel' often refers to Christian beliefs like 'God loves you' or 'Jesus died for your sins,' but its deeper meaning goes beyond familiarity. Rooted in Hebrew and Greek, it translates to 'good news'—a royal announcement. In biblical times, the gospel signified the news of God's kingdom being restored through Jesus, who called for radical forgiveness and peace. Despite appearing weak on the cross, Jesus' resurrection affirmed his kingship. His followers spread the gospel worldwide, proclaiming that Jesus is the true Lord of the world, where love, humility, and service redefine leadership and power.

Takeaways

• 😀 Gospel refers to 'good news,' a term rooted in Hebrew and Greek that translates to a royal announcement.
• 😀 In the Old Testament, 'gospel' (bisser) was used to announce victories or new leadership, like the coronation of a new king.
• 😀 Isaiah prophesied that the good news would involve God’s cosmic reign over all nations, restoring peace and justice.
• 😀 Jesus of Nazareth continued this gospel by proclaiming the arrival of God’s Kingdom and its restoration over Israel and all nations.
• 😀 The gospel of Jesus brought a new way of life, emphasizing peace, radical forgiveness, and generosity, even toward enemies.
• 😀 Jesus’ message required people to make a decision, leading him to Jerusalem to confront corrupt kingdoms with God’s love.
• 😀 Jesus displayed his true authority as a king by forgiving those who crucified him, even while being mocked as a false king.
• 😀 The resurrection of Jesus from the dead confirmed his role as the true King, stronger than death itself.
• 😀 Jesus commissioned his followers to spread the good news of God’s Kingdom and his authority over all creation.
• 😀 The four Gospels in the New Testament tell the story of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, sharing the good news of God's Kingdom.
• 😀 In God’s Kingdom, true leadership involves serving others, and love is the most powerful force, turning worldly hierarchies upside down.

Q & A

What does the word 'gospel' mean in the context of Christianity?

The word 'gospel' refers to 'good news' and is used in Christianity to describe the announcement of God's Kingdom, the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and the salvation that comes through him.

How does the term 'gospel' relate to the Old Testament?

In the Old Testament, the word 'gospel' translates from the Hebrew verb 'bisser' and noun 'besorah,' which refer to national or royal announcements, like the news of a victorious king or the coronation of a new ruler.

What does 'euangelion' mean in Greek?

'Euangelion' is the Greek term for 'gospel,' a compound word made up of 'eu,' meaning 'good,' and 'angelion,' meaning 'announcement.' It translates to 'good news.'

How did the concept of 'gospel' evolve in the Bible?

The concept of 'gospel' evolved from the Hebrew idea of royal proclamations, such as those announcing the coronation of a new king. In the New Testament, it was expanded by Jesus, who announced the coming of God's Kingdom and called for a new way of living.

What was the 'gospel' that Jesus preached?

Jesus preached the 'gospel' of God's Kingdom, claiming that God was restoring His reign over Israel and all nations, and that He, Jesus, was bringing it about. His message emphasized peace, forgiveness, and generosity.

What was the significance of Jesus' death in relation to the 'gospel'?

Jesus' death was central to the gospel, as He was executed by His enemies but displayed true royal authority by forgiving those who tormented Him. His death was a sacrifice for the sins of others, and it demonstrated the power of God's love over death.

What event changed everything about Jesus' gospel?

The resurrection of Jesus from the dead was the event that changed everything. It confirmed that He is the true king, whose love is stronger than death, and it empowered His followers to spread the gospel.

How did the early followers of Jesus spread the 'gospel'?

The early followers of Jesus spread the gospel by writing accounts of His life (the four Gospels) and by traveling and sharing His message through preaching, as exemplified by figures like Peter, Paul, Priscilla, and Aquila.

What is the significance of the 'gospel' in the modern world?

In the modern world, the gospel serves as a reminder that the crucified and risen Jesus is the true King of the world. It challenges the worldly powers and introduces a radically different way of living, based on love, forgiveness, and service.

What does it mean to live according to the 'gospel' of God's Kingdom?

Living according to the gospel means following Jesus' example of peace, forgiveness, and generosity. It involves putting down the sword, seeking peace, and living in a way that prioritizes serving others, especially the marginalized and the needy.