Gospelology: What is the Gospel:
A Thorough Exegesis of Evangelion (εὐαγγέλιον)
Published on Desperation Imitation of Christ February 2015
By: R.P. Moore
Kandern, Baden Würrtemberg Germany
February 9th, 2016
Introduction and Definition of
Evangelion
The Greek word εὐαγγέλιον (Pronounced
yoo-ang-ghel'-ee-on) is the word from which we get our English word “Gospel” or
“Good News” and it’s counterpart εὐαγγελίζω (Pronounced yoo-ang-ghel-id'-zo),
which basically means to “announce good news.” The word εὐαγγέλιον is used in
the New Testament seventy seven times. The counterpart word εὐαγγελίζω is used
fifty four times. For the purposes of this paper I will narrow my field of
study to these occurrences in the New Testament. I have chosen a few other
instances of words that relate to the proclamation of the Good News of Jesus
and His message. These other contexts will help us fill out the full meaning of
εὐαγγέλιον. By all accounts it is one of the most important words in the New
Testament and gets most of its mileage by Jesus and most other of the N.T.
characters and writers most notable Paul.
Pheidippides was by many
traditions the man whom the modern marathon is based on. By many legends he ran
from Marathon to Athens to proclaim victory against the Persians in the Battle
of Marathon.
This is of course as much legend as anything. There is only little by way of
historical accounts to validate the story of Pheidippides. Lucian’s prose is
one place where the story is recounted. The legend goes that Pheidippides ran
the distance of a modern marathon somewhere around 26.1 miles after the victory
over the Persians, and as a courier of a message he faithfully delivered the
message of victory by proclaiming, “Joy to you we have won!” and immediately he
died proclaiming again “Joy to you.”
Pheidippides
proclamation was simple “Nike” which means victory. His message was also so
profound and important to be delivered he gave his energy, passion, life, and
eventually he gave his last breath to the message. This is a perfect
illustration of the message of the gospel over the ages. Countless martyrs have
given their lives for the message of the Gospel, which is also a message of
victory. Messengers like that of Pheidippides have faithfully delivered the
life-giving and joyful message of the Gospel over two millennia. However the
message of the gospel is under fire, and has come under question as of late.
The question is not a question of the power found in the gospel, but rather how
do we deliver this message into many and varied contexts. For instance in a
western world where people are rather self sufficient, How do we deliver this
message as Pheidippides did with energy, power, confidence, passion, and
possibly even our last breath?
The Challenge of
Defining the “Good News”
Recently someone challenged me to
define the “Good News” or what the Gospel actually meant. It was a strong
challenge from a person who I thought should know, and be able to explain it with
relative ease. I understand the challenge is not that we cannot explain the
gospel, but what will people receive as “Good News?” This person was not
questioning Jesus and His work being central, but more of how do we transmit
that Gospel or good news as “Good” to an increasingly secularized culture that
doesn’t find the old delivery method (or classic evangelism) good anymore?
In this
process though, I though that the question was rather rebellious, and it gave
me pause. I actually thought to myself, “If we cannot explain this or have this
fundamental question answered then we don’t have a message, we don’t have a
ministry, we don’t have salvation, we don’t have anything! As ministers of the
gospel we have no ministry if we cannot define that. So I have set out to do a
thorough exegesis of the Greek word εὐαγγέλιον transliterated as evangelion.
As I study, it becomes clear how and why this should be one of the first steps
we make in Bible Colleges, and Seminaries, and other ministry preparation work.
This should be the first step, not the last question we ask, as an afterthought
after being in ministry for years and years.
When we cannot explain and know
what content of the message of the gospel is then we have NOTHING!!! We must be
able to describe, explain, and invite people in to the timeless message of the
gospel no matter what context they live in, and no matter what our delivery
methods happen to be. For this reason we need to know, that much better, the
content and true message of that good news, so as to carry the eternal gospel
of Jesus into a new a varied culture. When we do not know how to transmit the
contents of the Gospel, then we will not know how to repackage it,
contextualize it, or otherwise carry the contents in a new form for various
cultures and generations. This is the challenge of a missionary. How do we
contextualize the Gospel without changing the content of the eternal gospel of
Jesus? To do that we must know, believe, and know how to handle the main message
and meaning of the gospel. From there we can address how to deliver that
message as “Good News” to a culture in a way that it might be received as
“Good.” I believe that to be the intent of the original question that was posed
to me. We don’t want to rebel against the true message of the gospel, but we
may rebel against old delivery methods. If we really understand the Eternal
Gospel, and its message then we can be sure to deliver it’s content in a new
and receivable way for a new and spiritually hungry generation.
Digging Deeper: A
Fuller Definition of Evangelion
To dig further into the question,
“What is the Gospel” We must first just easily define the Greek word
εὐαγγέλιον
(evangelion) from which we get the term Gospel. In its simplest form it
means “good message” or some sort of “good news.” Now we can say that the Good
News of Jesus is not so ordinary good news. Maybe it would be good news if
banks stopped being corporately greedy and bottoming out the market, or like
the good news of getting a free sample at the china wok as you walk past the
food court. Or maybe even better news that you find out that you are having a baby,
as all three of our children were great news to us. All these things are
certainly good news on differing scales. However we want to look at the
instances of the word as it relates to the best news of all, namely the good
news of Jesus Christ. As we study the instances of
evangelion in the NT (and
some other instances in the OT Lexicon LXX) we can see that what unfolds is
truly good news.
Gospelology:
Systematic Study of “Gospel”
Because I am not postmodern, and
lean way more to modernity, I decided it might be best if I approach this project
in a sort of a systematic study of the message of the Gospel as laid out in
every individual reference in the occurrences of evangelion. I am going to call it a systematic theology
of the gospel, thus a “Gospelology.” So lets get started. Mark 13:10 Shows us
how the gospel is something of such value that it must be preached,
transmitted, and delivered to all nations. In 1 Corinthians 9:18 The gospel
again is of such value to Paul the he make sure to keep it pure by not charging
anyone for its delivery. 2 Corinthians 4:3 explains what might be a hard
pill to swallow that sometimes the gospel is veiled to those who would never
believe (those who are perishing). Why that is so, is not ultimately clear from
this passage. Maybe other forms of theology could and do address this, but that
is not my purpose in this work. Philippians 1:5 shows us that we can and should
seek partners in the gospel. From Galatians 1:7 we can understand that there
would be those who would try to distort the gospel of God.
The Word בָּשַׂר
(Basar) and בְּשׂוֹרָה
(Basowrah) in the Old Testament
Just by way
of contextualizing the idea of “Good News” I will try to give it sweeping
strokes as found in Gerhard Kittel’s work
Theological
Dictionary of the New Testament. The Word
בָּשַׂר
(transliterated Basar) is in a most general sense “proclaiming good news.” It
has a sense of bringing news of victory or declaring a victory. The use also
has a solemn character in that it is a cultic act. In Psalm 68:11 Yahweh
himself orders a song of victory over Israel’s enemies. Women also proclaim
good news.
בָּשַׂר is also
used for heralding, religious deliverance, for singing new songs as seen in
Psalm 40, and for expressing Yahweh’s wonderful acts. The sense of the word is
also an expectation of the victory of Yahweh, and his kingly sovereign rule.
Many of the messengers proclaim peace, salvation, and Yahweh as king. There is
also a declaration of the restoration of Israel, the new creation of the world,
and the eschatological age. This proclamation is not just empty breath, but
true power for He (YHWH) will bring these messages into reality. These messages
declare that he has created the world, shaped history, and continues to rule.
People repeat the words of
בָּשַׂר
with rejoicing. There is a sense in which the messengers carry the happy news
through the land that the “Lord is King.” In Isaiah we also see the prophecy
that in the end Messiah Jesus fulfills that message of good news to the poor,
and proclamation of liberty. The instances of
בָּשַׂר
in the OT point us to the nuance that we see in the NT that of Gentiles being
included into salvation history, and the rejection of religion and adherence to
the Law.
These developments had begun so that the gospel of grace might make its debut
as the true message which is Jesus the only truly righteous one who can fulfill
the demands of the whole law.
The
counterpart
בְּשׂוֹרָה is
found only six times in the Old Testament. It has two senses that of “Good
News” or “Glad Tidings”. Fast forward to the NT proclamation of Jesus
incarnation which brings glad tidings. It also has the sense of reward for Good
news. The spoken word of good news is also equated with its content. Thus good
news causes joy and the antithesis causes sorrow. Often the messenger of bad
news is punished for his message of bad news, and incurs the same punishment.
For instance the messenger that brings bad news of Saul’s death to David. David
has him put to death for his news. There is however no religious use of this
word in the Old Testament only that of a secular use.
Interesting how many years later the Apostles would also be put to death for
delivering this Good News, which is a free gift, and how people would rather
accept the Bad News that is so prevalent.
The Meanings of εὐαγγέλιον
found among the Greek Works:
Evangelion
also among Greek writers has similar meanings. It is used as “Good News” and
also a “reward for Good News.” It is seen and used when news of victory is
delivered. And when news of victory is declared it is usually known from the
messenger’s countenance what the contents of the message are before the message
is delivered such as his face shines, his spear is decked with Laurel, He is
crowned, swings palm branches, and other such pomp and circumstance. Overall
this word is linked with victory in battle. The Greeks also see the message as
fundamentally valuable. It not only declares salvation, but it also effects it.
Because of the importance of the message, and the reward thereof, the messenger
exerts himself to be heard first, and a slow messenger can be punished for his
tardiness. An interesting occurrence is when Apollonius, upon seeing the murder
of Domitian, thus describes that the Logos distributes itself and causes great
joy. There is this sense that the Greek idea in a religious realm is starting
to develop and point to the timeless εὐαγγέλιον of the true Logos that the
Greeks had been looking for in their religious expressions.
The true Logos that Luke describes in his Evangelion does in fact distribute
himself here upon this earth, that he Himself created, and in so doing caused
great joy.
Appearance of εὐαγγέλιον
in Rabbinic Judaism
There is
not much by way of significant contribution in most of the Rabbinic writings.
One reference that is of provocative note is a mutilation of the word gospel
into “gloss of destruction” or “gloss of sins.” There was a play on words so to
speak in which Evangelion was changed to “Aven-Gillajon” which means gloss or
writing of sins. The Jewish Christians adopted the Greek εὐαγγέλιον because
there was not a similar word in the Aramaic. From that it can be deduced that
the pun is taking the Greek into account. Rabbinic Jews were bilingual and
Greek was widely understood. It can be inferred then that this twisting of a
phrase was used in Rabbinic circles to further ostracize the “heretics.”
This interesting twist can only be seen as inadequate in its purpose of
destroying the young “sect” who called themselves “followers of the way.”
Rather it might have even emboldened them in their proclamation of the eternal Evangelion.
Stories such as these can also embolden 21
st century “Followers of
the Way”, in that we take on the “Writing of Sins” and cast them all into the
deep goodness of Jesus’ Eternal Evangelion. The Evangelion of His Grace and
Goodness! Let us with boldness “Write our Sins” and throw them into the deep
abyss of His eternal Evangelion!
The Beginnings and
Source of the Gospel: Its Timeless Value
From the beginning of the Synoptic
gospels there is a clear and definitive starting point to the message of the
gospel. Mark 1:1 there is a message of the gospel that has it’s beginning in
Jesus Christ our Lord, the Son of God. From Galatians 2:7 The gospel message is
open for the circumcised and the uncircumcised (i.e. All people). 1 Corinthians
9:12 clearly says that we should not put an obstacle in the way of the progress
of the gospel. Mark 16:15 Again explains to us that the gospel is of such
high value that it needs to be proclaimed to all creation. Another time in Matthew
24:14 the gospel is of such value that it will be proclaim throughout the whole
world to all nations before the end of times.
In Mark 1:14-15 so important is
this message that Jesus himself preached the gospel, and his gospel was a
gospel of repentance. As Jesus comes onto the scene we start to see the
content, substance, and true message. It is clear from these and many other
following passages that the content and message are a message that all men must
repent, turn from their sins and turn to God.
So from there we see that the antithesis of Repentance is un-holiness.
So in 1 Timothy 1:8-11 we see that the Gospel stands in opposition to un-holiness.
The Delivery of
the Gospel
Furthermore we receive some
guidance about what we must do in the delivery of the message. According to
Paul, there is a proper way to deliver it. In Ephesians 6:15 We see that we must
ready ourselves to deliver the gospel, which is a message of peace. So its
contents include repentance and peace and we must deliver it in a modality that
is fair to its contents. In other words it would be antithetical to the gospel
to deliver it through violence, war, or strife when it is a message of peace. It
would also be antithetical to the gospel to deliver it in an attitude of
un-repentance. From there moving on to Romans 1:1-6 Paul shows us that people
can be called out and set apart to deliver the gospel which is a gospel of
Jesus as Lord and obedience and faith in Him as is Lord. So our message
so far has been seen as a message of repentance, peace, and faith in Jesus as
Lord. In Romans 11:28 Paul moves on to talk about Israel as currently enemies
of the gospel for our sake as Gentiles so that we too can believe the gospel.
But one day they will receive mercy because of their forefathers. This is good
news indeed that Gentiles have a chance to believe, and that one day Israel
will be restored to the faith of the gospel. Further on in 2 Corinthians 2:12-13
Paul writes that the Gospel of Christ brings open doors.
The Judgment of
the Gospel
The Apostle Peter writes also in
his epistle in 1 Peter 4:17 that God Judges the household of God and more
judgment will be had on those who don't obey the Gospel of God. So in the long
run it is a message of judgment for those who do not believe. But instead of focusing on the negative or
not seemingly good news it actually is good news that those who do believe will
not
be judged. In Ephesians 6:19 Paul writes further and asks for prayer that he
would open his mouth to boldly proclaim the mysterious gospel. So the gospel
often requires boldness to unfold its mystery. Paul says in Romans 10:14-17 that
belief is necessary to understand and hold to the Gospel. Hearing the gospel is
necessary to have the ability for a person to believe in the gospel. Someone
must also preach the gospel so that people hear it that have never heard.
People must also be sent for that goal of preaching the gospel. Faith is
necessary, hearing is necessary, and the word of Christ is necessary to be able
to believe in the gospel.
Moving on thematically a little
bit we see in Galatians 1:6-9 that there is a possibility that some people
preach a gospel that is contrary to the gospel of Christ.
In Romans 2:16 Paul explains that ”The Day of Judgment” all
men will be judged according to the Gospel. On that day God will judge the
secrets of men by the standard of Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 3:2 explains to us that because of the Gospel we
can exhort and encourage each other to believe deeper in the faith of the
gospel. Paul further writes in his letter to the Philippians (1:27) that there is a manner of life that is worthy
of the gospel. And we can strive for the faith of the gospel.
Who Does the
Gospel Belong to? Is There a False Gospel? The Eternal Gospel
There is a very interesting
aspect that we must understand also found in Romans 1:9 and that is that the
Gospel belongs to "His Son.” Meaning we cannot claim the Gospel as our own
but rather that it is solely a work of God’s Son (i.e. Titus 3:5-6 and
Ephesians 2:8-9). In Galatians 1:6 Paul
writes how it is possible to believe a different and false gospel, or to turn
away from the gospel of grace. In other words it might be possible to believe
in a Gospel of works, which Paul labels a false Gospel. In Matthew 24:14 the theme of world evangelization
and mission is repeated and given hefty weight. Matthew writes that the gospel
is of such value that it will be proclaimed throughout the whole world to all
nations before the end of times. Revelation 14:6 continues on the theme that there
is an eternal gospel that will be proclaimed to every tribe and nation and
people. Again Paul writes in Romans 16:25-26 that the mysterious gospel is now
revealed through obedience and faith. Paul alludes to a delivery method in 1
Thessalonians 2:8 and shares that the spreading or sharing of the gospel is a
sharing of your whole life.
The Powerful
Gospel: Escaping Punishment, Power of the Holy Spirit, Sonship, Suffering, and
Integrity
In Matthew 4:23 acts of power often
accompanied proclamation of the gospel. Ephesians 1:13 Paul writes that belief
in Christ is necessary for salvation and following that belief one is sealed in
the Holy Spirit unto the “Day of Redemption.”
Relating to that great and final Judgment 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10
shows us that Belief in the Gospel is necessary to escape eternal punishment
destruction, and judgment when Jesus returns. Earlier we have seen that Israel
has not believed the Gospel for the sake of the Gentiles but in Galatians 3:7-9
Paul describes that we are sons of Abraham by faith in the gospel.
2 Timothy 1:8
and Romans 1:16 explain how we should not be ashamed of the gospel or of
suffering in the gospel through God's power. We also ought not be ashamed of
the gospel because there is power therein for salvation for everyone. 2 Timothy
1:10-12 says that the gospel brings life and immortality but can also cost us
greatly through suffering to deliver it. But in that process God will guard the
integrity of His message in the gospel. Paul further expounds on this
theme in 2 Corinthians 9:13 the gospel will be accepted and believed in and people
will glorify God because of our submission to and confession of Christ's
gospel. 1 Thessalonians 2:4 describes that the gospel has been entrusted
to us, and it (not works) makes us approved before God and we seek to continue
to please him not man. Galatians 1:11-12 further describes the gospel Paul
preached was not man’s gospel it was God's. Thus Paul shows in 1 Thessalonians 1:5-6
that the reception of the gospel happened with joy and affliction, because the
gospel was delivered in conviction and the Holy Spirit’s power.
Shall People Be
Professional Gospel Ministers? The Question of Ethical Practice in Gospel
Ministry
As far as full time or
professional ministry is concerned 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 shows us how those who
proclaim the gospel could or are allowed to receive their living by the gospel,
but do not have to claim that as a right as Paul did. In Galatians 2:1-2 Paul
reaffirmed His life’s profession or calling in the gospel he had been preaching
and that he was not laboring in vain. In description of the practice of
“professional” or payment for Gospel Ministry Paul further lays out the ethics
of the Gospel’s practices in 2 Corinthians 4:2-6. In proclamation of the gospel
Paul renounced unethical practices or tampering with God's word. Sometimes the
gospel was veiled to those who were perishing. The gospel says Jesus is Lord
and the direct image of God. God’s gospel shines light into our dark hearts and
reveals the glory of God in the face of Jesus.
In Romans 15:16-18 Gospel
ministry is described as a priestly ministry. Gospel ministry has also allowed
Gentiles access to God. Bringing Gentiles to obedience is one goal of Paul’s
gospel ministry. Galatians 2:13-16 describes another ethic in the presentation
of the content of the message of Good News. Hypocrisy, adherence to the law,
and performance of works for salvation, all have no place in the gospel. Colossians
1:22-23 further fleshes out the content of the message of the Gospel by saying
that the gospel is able to save and present us holy and blameless in the
presence of Christ at the end (Final Judgment), if indeed we persevere in the
faith.
Contextualizing
the Gospel
As we move on in this study the
Bible is clear on how and why we ought to contextualize the Gospel. In 1
Corinthians 9:22-23 Paul describes that everything that we might do to
contextualize ourselves and the message would, could, and should be done for
the sake of the gospel, and for blessings that we will at one point share
in. This can help us check our motives, and refine our methods if we keep
the Gospel at the center and not placing methods or packaging above the
contents of the package. It makes no sense for instance to receive a gift from
someone and to place more worth on the packaging, or wrapping paper of the gift
than on the gift itself. This is always a temptation to place the delivery
methods on a pedestal rather than the gospel itself. This leads us to a great
passage that helps us check our motives. Philippians 1:15-18 says that we can
rejoice at the proclamation of the gospel from whatever pretenses. There is
however such a thing as mixed motives in our proclamation. And so we need to be
vigilant in making sure that our motives be pure as we proclaim
Christ. Galatians 2:4-5 shows us that we must protect the integrity of the
gospel against false brothers who might secretly take away our freedom in
Christ and try to return to us at yoke of slavery. The gospel message could and
should be preserved as a gospel of freedom and grace. In Matthew 28:19 we
understand that Discipleship, Baptism, and Going (as you go or ministry on the
way) all go together is a package of the delivery method of the Gospel.
Sacrifice,
Boldness, Suffering, and Stewardship in the Gospel
From delivery method of
contextualization we can easily make the transition to the outcome of the
delivery of Gospel Message. In Galatians 4:13; Acts 14:6-7; and Philippians 1:12-13
the outcomes are explained insomuch as sometimes (probably more often than not)
the gospel is advanced through sufferings. Mark explains (10:29) that the
gospel can be a thing, which requires sacrifice, but that sacrifice will be
rewarded. In 1 Thessalonians 2:2 Paul writes that Gospel boldness can and very
well may bring conflict. Luke in Acts 20:24 writes that we ought to give
up our lives even to the point of death for the opportunity to testify to the gospel,
which is a gospel of grace. With the sufferings that might accompany the gospel
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 9:15-16 there is a certain stewardship of the
gospel. That stewardship tells us that we as Christians are compelled as
Christians to preach the gospel. In the end the “Stewardship of Suffering”
Mark writes (8:35) that by giving and losing our lives, will eventually mean we
will save it.
Content and
Substance of the Message of the Gospel
Now we move to the meat of the
message. What is the truth behind everything? What is the message? We have up
to this point seen what people ought to do in response to the message (i.e.
Repent). We have answered some how’s and why’s, but have not really answered
the what. What is the news actually? In 2 Timothy 2:8-13 we see the message
clearly delineated that Jesus Christ died on the cross was risen and is coming
again the son of David the king of kings and Lord of Lords. Paul in Timothy explains
what the crux of the Gospel is. And He (God) is faithful to accomplish his
gospel even though we are faithless. In 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Paul also explains
that the Gospel’s core message is that Christ died for our sins, was buried,
and was raised on the third day. He also explains that if this gospel is
believed in it is able to save us. In 2 Corinthians 8:18-19 the gospel is
meant to be ministered as an act of grace and it is for the glory of the Lord
himself not for men. Thus we can draw from that that the Gospel is a Gospel of
Grace for the glory of the Lord Jesus and not for men. 2 Thessalonians 2:14
describes the why of the message is essentially to obtain the glory of Christ. It
could then be said that one of the goals of the gospel is the glory of Jesus
Christ. Luke 24:47 says repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached.
This is the content of the message that should be proclaimed to all nations. We
see this in many other places that the end game of the gospel is the
forgiveness of sins to the glory of Christ. So the what of the Gospel is Jesus
Christ crucified, risen, and coming again.
Missiology and the
Gospel
Within every development of
Theology we must always have a view toward Missiology. If every form of Theology,
Eschatology, Ecclesiology, Christology, Soteriology, etc. does not intersect
early and often with Missiology, then that systematic is flawed. In other words
every solid systematic theology is Missiological in its nature. That is why now
knowing somewhat better the delivery methods, ethic, and content of the gospel,
we should naturally now come to Mission. Mission is advancement of a message.
How does the gospel make its way into the entire world? We have seen that this
Good News is worthy of distribution into the entire world until the end of the
world. Now the natural question comes how? How does the gospel spread? We see
in Luke 9:6; 2 Corinthians 10:13-14; Acts 8:39-40; and Acts 14:21 that preaching
the gospel "as you go" or “on the way” are both ways to minister the
gospel, and see it rapidly advance.
Further Missiological principles
can be gleaned from Acts 16:10. It demonstrates to us how Jesus continues to
push the cultural boundaries of the gospel from generation to generation. This
means that the Gospel should cross cultural boundaries. We should also give our
missiological energies to gospel thresholds. In other words If Jesus pushes the
Apostles out of their cultural contexts, then we should also take the
initiative from Jesus and cross-cultural boundaries with the hopes of taking
the message to un-evangelized regions.
We have seen up to this point that the Gentiles have now freedom to
believe Jesus and be grafted into the kingdom of God, and Acts 15:7 shows us
that God wants the Gentiles to hear and believe the gospel, and thus the gospel
should cross cultural boundaries. We see in the announcement of the incarnation
of Jesus in Luke 2:10 that the Good News is of great joy, and should be for all
people. Paul in Romans 15:19 describes how the ministry of the gospel can be
fulfilled as we travel, as we go, or on our way. In Acts 8:25 Jesus wants the
gospel to cross cultural, economic, and political power structure lines. These
many references give us plenty of Missiological fodder for pushing our
boundaries. Frankly they give us reasons to contextualize the gospel. The
discussion about contextualization would not even be occurring without the need
for the gospel to cross cultural lines because when the gospel crosses those
lines into new cultural contexts the differences that are fond in those
contexts must be taken into account.
Posture of the
Gospel
Now I want to enter into what I
call the “posture of the Gospel” In Romans 1:15 a posture of eagerness is
described and it should be our posture in delivering the gospel without
reservation. Why should I have an eagerness to preach the Gospel? It must be
because we know that no one has a true hope outside of it. Colossians 1:5
explains that the Gospel has a deep hope laid up for us in heaven, and we trust
the word of truth found in it. This should give us a true eagerness. In Philemon
1:12-13 we see that sometimes we have to put our emotions behind the gospel (my
very heart) and also there is the element of persecution behind the
gospel. So it follows that we should be emotionally invested in the
message and delivery of the Gospel. 1 Corinthians 4:14-17 describes a fatherhood
in the Gospel, which is the concept of discipleship. Thus the gospel is not
just the delivery of the message of salvation, but also the life transformation
found in discipleship as a further process. If fatherhood in the gospel is
described then it has to be more intimate than we could've ever imagined. A
posture of the Gospel that the New Testament describes is that of eager,
emotionally engaged, fatherhood.
As the New Testament writers
describe a “posture of the Gospel” there were also some who “pioneered the
Gospel.” Paul was one of those, who in 2 Corinthians 10:16-18, described his
pioneering spirit. Paul wanted to not lay a foundation on another Gospel but
wanted to preach Christ where he had not been known before. And then after he
laid the foundation of the gospel he sought favor from the Lord he didn't seek
commendation from men, other people, or himself, only the commendation of the
Lord. He described in Romans 15:20 also that sometimes it is good to deliver
the gospel where there has been no previous foundation for it. Ephesians 3:7 the
gospel minister is made a minister according to the gift of God's grace. And it
is delivered through the working of his power. In the same vain, power in
Gospel ministry, as Philippians 1:11 says, comes when we are filled with the
fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ. Out of that
righteousness we gain the power so that the gospel can advance.
Further References
Because many of the evangelion
references are repetitive, I have collected a short explanation of the contents
each of those verses.
Philippians 2:22 (ESV)
Serving in the ministry of the gospel is worthwhile and it is
a credential unto itself
Matthew 9:35 (ESV)
Caring for true needs is a great delivery method for the
gospel. Paying attention to people’s affliction and healing hurts is a great
delivery method.
Philippians 4:15 (ESV)
The partnership of the gospel is a partnership of giving and
receiving for both parties.
2 Corinthians 11:7 (ESV)
Humility in delivery of the gospel is helpful. It is also
helpful to deliver it free of charge.
Luke 20:1 (ESV)
Jesus preached the gospel of repentance, and thus it is his
message
1 Timothy 6:3 (ESV)
There is only one doctrine and gospel that of the Lord Jesus
Christ
Ephesians 3:6 (ESV)
We are partakers in the gospel as Gentiles by Christ’s work
of grafting us back into the one true vine (Israel)
Matthew 26:13 (ESV)
Mark 14:9 (ESV)
Mary is an example of the love we should feel for Christ in
the gospel, and she will be honored for it wherever the gospel is preached.
1 Peter 4:6 (ESV)
The gospel is preached so that those who (are) were dead and
judged in the flesh might be made alive in the Spirit, which is the work of
God.
1 Corinthians 1:17 (ESV)
The gospel content and message is powerful enough without
being couched in eloquent words of wisdom. Otherwise we might empty the gospel
of its power.
Philippians 4:3 (ESV)
We are meant to help each other as we labor in the gospel
1 Thessalonians 2:9 (ESV)
It's a good idea to not be a financial burden on those who
hear the gospel from you for the first time
Philippians 1:7 (ESV)
It is right that we feel emotional about those who we
minister with in defense of the gospel. There is somehow a defense of the
gospel that will also confirm its validity
2 Corinthians 11:4 (ESV)
There could be other false gospels that people accept (i.e.
Prosperity gospel or a gospel of works, i.e. “Judaizers mutilators of the
flesh”)
Luke 16:16 (ESV)
Good news is more about a kingdom, but people try to force
their way in, and Jesus is making it clear that that is impossible
Romans 10:8 (ESV)
The Gospel is to be ever on our lips, near us, on our mouth,
and in our hearts.
1 Timothy 4:13 (ESV)
Part of the proclamation of the gospel is the public reading
of the scripture, exhortation, and teaching
Titus 1:3 (ESV)
The gospel is entrusted by Christ alone and is manifested at
proper times at through preaching
Titus 1:9 (ESV)
There is a sound doctrine, and we should rebuke those who
contradict it and the gospel.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 (ESV)
People can accept the gospel with great excitement as the
very word of God
Matthew 11:5 (ESV)
The good news should often accompany good works
1 Corinthians 1:18 (ESV)
The words of the cross are the words of the gospel and it is
foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who are being saved it is
the power of God
2 Timothy 3:12 (ESV)
Godliness is an outcome of delivery of the Gospel. And
persecution in through and because of the Gospel is a promise
Hebrews 7:22 (ESV)
The gospel is better by way of covenant than the former
covenant of law and works
1 Peter 1:25 (ESV)
The word of the Lord is the gospel and it remains forever.
1 John 1:3 (ESV)
Proclamation and acceptance of the gospel brings communion
with the Father and the Son
Jude 1:3 (ESV)
The faith that is delivered in the gospel should be
contended for and delivered with great diligence and fervor
Romans 10:15 (ESV)
Deliverers of the Gospel have beautiful feet. This means
their movement for and with the gospel is a beautiful thing
2 Timothy 4:3 (ESV)
There will be a time when people will not endure sound
doctrine, and will surround themselves with people who will preach and teach
what their itching ears want to hear (i.e. not the gospel)
Isaiah 61:1 (ESV)
The gospel includes proclamation to the poor, binding the
brokenhearted, liberty to captives, and opening up prison to the bound
Luke 4:18 (ESV)
Good news is a message to the poor, liberty, recovery of
sight, liberty to the oppressed.
Acts 1:8 (ESV)
We will receive power for Gospel proclamation. We will thus
be witnesses from here to there. Our Concern for the spread of the Gospel will
move wider and wider in the corners of the world where the gospel has not yet
reached.
Synopsis of
Evangelion and its Meaning
In Conclusion we can readily see
that the true Gospel is a Gospel of Repentance, Faith, Grace, Peace, Obedience,
Freedom from Judgment, Escaping Wrath, Power, Suffering, Glorification of God,
Submission, Confession, Freedom, Baptism, Discipleship, Boldness, Forgiveness,
Victory (in the Resurrection), Glorification of Jesus Christ, Diverse
expressions, Multi-Culturalism, or A-Culturalism (i.e. for all men all cultures
everywhere globally), Eternal Life, Fatherhood (Discipleship), Motherhood (Discipleship),
Emotional Response, Righteousness, the word of God, seen and revealed only in
the person of Christ, and it is an eternal Gospel that will never fade away. Like
the word of God it will never pass away. The mistake that we make in the
message of the Gospel is that we limit the message of the gospel to one of
these facets, such as Penal Substitution. Please hear me correctly. I believe
100% in Penal Substitution! But that is not the full message of the gospel.
That is like saying the whole Bible is about one thing. It is not! It is more
eternal and deeper than we could ever know or imagine, and so is the gospel.
What we do know is that the NT writers describe the Gospel “Good News” in these
manifold ways. If we took only this short list of what the Gospel is, and apply
it, we may come up with thousands of different applications in thousands of
different contexts. That is why the Gospel is so beautiful. It transcends time,
culture, space, and our own plebian surroundings.
According to the NT writers the
Gospel is unquestionably good news and He Himself is its proclaimer. He (Jesus)
is not just bringing a new teaching, but rather Himself as the substance of the
message. He (Jesus) reveals Himself to the community and the community is a
proclamation, when His life is lived out in the community with authenticity.
Throughout the Pauline references to Evangelion we learn that the pre-existent
Son has become man, and the prophesied Messiah. With his resurrection Paul
describes that He has become supreme Kyrios (Sovereign) in His Gospel. If we
could break the message and content down to one word that word would be
“Christ.” The earliest Christian creed “Jesus is Lord” is actually the message
of the Gospel in its simplest form. As the NT writers show us Christ is the
author, and content of the Eternal Gospel. He is exalted, incarnate Lord, and
He is the true and only message of the Gospel. He is His own Evangelion! To
illustrate this further the Gospel is the autobiography of Jesus. He is the
promise, author, and content of the story. He is exalted and incarnate Lord and
Kyrios all in one liberating and amazing story.
He is the autobiographer of a
historical event, yet transcending ordinary history. The message is His
narratives and teachings. Which reveals the nature of human reality, but
expresses the living power of God. Judgment gives way to joy at the
resurrection from the dead. His gospel has brought salvation to all people
refashioning them into new creations. He constitutes these refashioned lives
into new communities of new creatures under grace. Thus the message and content
are one. The great author and perfector of our faith is He who has written the
story, and reveals chapter by chapter that he is the crux of this Eternal
Evangelion. The eternal God is revealed
in Jesus Christ in the pages of His own Evangelion to the Glory of God. As
Revelation 7:17 similarly says, “For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will
be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God
will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” In the same way the Author is the
content of the story, the Lamb will also be Shepherd. He fulfills both roles,
and He Himself will be our eternal Gospel and will be our living water, and
wipe away every tear from our eyes!
Illustrating the
Multifaceted Gospel
One illustration could expound more
thoroughly on what the multifaceted Gospel is like. The Periodic Table of the
Elements has 118 different elements.
Out of those 118 Elements there are chemical compounds that are possible with
the mixture of elements found on the Periodic Table. These mixtures of Elements
are numbered and various. They are called Chemical Compounds. I estimate that
there are around 5,000 different chemical compound combinations. If I had tried
to count them all I would still be counting.
There is not even a complete list of organic compounds because the list thereof
would be infinite!
First of all, the amazing thing about all these elements is that Jesus is
sovereign over them all. As the famous Dutch reformer Abraham Kuyper once said,
“There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over
which Christ, who is Sovereign over
all, does not cry: 'Mine!'”
He controls all these elements and knows about the some 5,000 Chemical
compounds and how they work and hold together and he knows about the infinite
possibilities of organic compounds, but not only that he has made them work!
And cries, “MINE!”
I can imagine that the Gospel is
somewhat like the Periodic Table. There are certain elements that make up the
whole message much like the Gospel. There is a message that makes up the
content of the Gospel, but thousands and even infinite possibilities for the
outworking of that message. The few things that this paper characterizes and
exegetes, are only the uses in the NT of that great word εὐαγγέλιον, It is what
the Gospel writers described; truly Good News. Just like Pheidippides
proclaimed after his long and grueling run “NIKE!” He proclaimed “VICTORY!”
and that is the same message of the Eternal Gospel that we have victory in
Jesus. We can like the NT writers did, proclaim that same message in its infinite
possibilities and contexts with the same passion, boldness, and sacrifice as
that of Pheidippides. God bless you as you seek to proclaim that eternal
message in your particular context.
Annotated Bibliography
1.
Thomas, Robert L. New American Standard
Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible: Including Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek
Dictionaries. Print.
2.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pheidippides?wprov=sfti1
3.
http://www.desiringgod.org/messages/the-supremacy-of-christ-and-the-gospel-in-a-postmodern-world
4.
Friedrich, Gerhard. “εὐαγγέλιον” Kittel,
Gerhard, and Geoffrey William Bromiley. Theological Dictionary of the New
Testament. Vol. 2 Grand Rapids (Mich.): WM. B. Eerdmans, 1964. Print.
5.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Periodic_table
6.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dictionary_of_chemical_formulas
7.
Sphere Sovereignty (p. 488) cited in
James D. Bratt, ed., Abraham Kuyper, A Centennial Reader, (Grand Rapids,
MI: Eerdmans, 1998).
8.
ESV: Study Bible: English Standard Version.
Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2007. Print.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pheidippides?wprov=sfti1
