Gospel
εὐαγγέλιον (Euangelion)
Good news; specifically the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ
Gospel (euangelion) means 'good news.' In the Bible, it specifically refers to the message that God has acted through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ to save humanity from sin and death.
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." — Romans 1:16 (KJV)
Key Verses
Romans 1:16
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”Read in context
1 Corinthians 15:3-4
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”Read in context
Mark 1:15
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's G2098 — Gospel (εὐαγγέλιον (Euangelion))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where εὐαγγέλιον (Euangelion) appears.
Open Strong's G2098The Word 'Euangelion'
The Greek word 'euangelion' was not invented by Christians. In the Roman world, it referred to a public announcement of good news — particularly a military victory or the accession of a new emperor. When the early church used this word, they were making a bold claim: the most important news in human history has arrived. A new King has come, a decisive victory has been won, and everything has changed.
The Gospel in the Old Testament
While the word 'gospel' is associated with the New Testament, the concept runs throughout the Old. Isaiah proclaimed, 'How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace' (Isaiah 52:7). The Old Testament prophets anticipated a coming salvation, a Messiah who would establish God's kingdom and bring deliverance. The gospel was not Plan B — it was God's intention from the beginning.
The Content of the Gospel
Paul summarized the gospel's core content in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: 'Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and he was buried, and he rose again the third day.' The gospel is not primarily advice for living but an announcement of what God has done. It centers on historical events — the death and resurrection of Jesus — and their cosmic significance: sin has been atoned for, death has been defeated, and new creation has begun.
The Power of the Gospel
Paul calls the gospel 'the power of God unto salvation' (Romans 1:16). It is not merely information to be understood but power to be experienced. The gospel transforms individuals, families, communities, and cultures. It frees the addicted, restores the broken, reconciles enemies, and gives hope to the hopeless. Two thousand years later, the gospel continues to be the most powerful force for human transformation in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the four Gospels?
The four Gospels — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John — are the biblical accounts of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. Each was written by a different author for a different audience, providing complementary perspectives on the same story. Together they give a comprehensive portrait of who Jesus is and what He accomplished.
Is the gospel just about going to heaven?
While the gospel includes the promise of eternal life, it is broader than personal salvation. The gospel announces the coming of God's kingdom — His reign over all creation. It encompasses forgiveness of sins, restoration of relationship with God, the renewal of all things, and the ultimate defeat of evil, suffering, and death.
What does 'believe the gospel' mean?
To 'believe the gospel' (Mark 1:15) means more than intellectual agreement that the facts are true. It means trusting in Christ personally — relying on His death and resurrection as the basis for your relationship with God, turning from sin (repentance), and committing your life to following Him as Lord.
What is the Greek word for "Gospel" in the Bible?
εὐαγγέλιον (Euangelion), pronounced "yoo-an-GEL-ee-on." It means good news; specifically the good news of salvation through jesus christ. Its Strong's number is G2098. It is the word behind "Gospel" in both Testaments, for example in Romans 1:16.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Gospel (εὐαγγέλιον (Euangelion))
Good news; specifically the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ
Strong's G2098 — Gospel
εὐαγγέλιον (Euangelion) • Good news; specifically the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ
Biblical Meaning of Fish in a Dream (KJV)
Souls, provision, and the harvest of the gospel.
What Is the Meaning of Baptism?
Prayer & Worship
What Is the Meaning of Communion?
Prayer & Worship
Biblical Meaning of Snakes in a Dream (KJV)
Deception, hidden enemies, and spiritual attack.
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