Biblical Context: The Gospel
Biblical Context: The Gospel
DB Ryen
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Although "gospel" has come to refer to the story of Jesus’ life, its meaning during the first century was much broader, specifically it meant good news for a kingdom in various ways.
Length: Short, 298 words
That night, in the same area, there were shepherds camping out and guarding their flocks. Suddenly, an angel from the Lord stood in front of them and the Lord’s glory shone around them, and they were terribly afraid. But the angel told them, “Don’t be afraid! Look, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people! A savior has been born today in the City of David. He is Christ the Lord. This is your sign: you’ll find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
– The Story of Jesus 34.1
[Adapted from Lk 2:8-12]
The term gospel comes from the Old English for “good news” or “glad tidings.” It’s the direct translation of the Greek word euangelion, which literally means “good message.” Although it has come to refer to the story of Jesus’ life, its meaning during the first century was much broader. The gospel represented good news for a kingdom or empire in a variety of ways: a new king had been crowned, the king had defeated his enemies, or a new heir to the throne had been born. In any of these occurrences, messengers would be dispatched throughout the kingdom to proclaim the gospel, that is, the good news. It was also common practice for messengers to be dispatched following a battle to relay news of victory to an expectant king and country back home. In keeping with Christian tradition, the Gospel (capital “G”) refers to Jesus’ story, as recorded in the New Testament books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who announces peace and brings good news of happiness, who announces salvation, saying in Zion, “Your God reigns!”
– Isaiah 52:7
© D. B. Ryen Incorporated, 2019-2025.
For further information on the historical context of the term "gospel", see our five-part series.
Other Topics:
No Roman citizen could be crucified, as it was considered too agonizing and disgraceful. In fact, the pain of crucifixion was so terrible that a new word – excruciating (“out of the cross”) – was used to describe it.
The “third heaven” was the world beyond the physical realm. It was the spiritual realm of angels and demons, where non-physical beings like God himself were clearly seen and heard.
Scripture passages and contextual information are adapted from The Story of Jesus: All Four Gospels In One (Study Bible)
Scripture passages and contextual information are adapted from The Story of Jesus: All Four Gospels In One (Study Bible)
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