Gospel (Good News) — Meaning in the Bible
"Good news". In the New Testament the good news is the message about Jesus and the kingdom of God; the four accounts of Jesus' life came to be called the Gospels.
What it means
Isaiah speaks of the messenger who brings good news of peace and salvation. Jesus began preaching "the Good News of the Kingdom of God". Isaiah 52:7Mark 1:14–15
Paul summarises the good news he received: Christ died for our sins, was buried and was raised on the third day. Mark opens his account with "The beginning of the Good News of Jesus Christ". 1 Corinthians 15:1–4Mark 1:1Romans 1:16
Key passages
- Isaiah 52:7 — How beautiful are the feet of the one who brings good news.
- Mark 1:1 — The beginning of the Good News.
- Mark 1:14–15 — Believe the Good News.
- Romans 1:16–17 — The power of God for salvation.
- 1 Corinthians 15:1–8 — The good news Paul received.
Original language
εὐαγγέλιον euangelion
Greek · Strong’s G2098 · gloss: “gospel”
The Greek word for good news (euangelion), from which "evangelist" comes. Mark 1:1Romans 1:16
A Strong’s number is a reference identifier, not a complete definition: what a word means in a passage depends on its context. Lexical data: STEPBible.org, based on work at Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0).
How translations differ
- The WEB writes "Good News"; many versions write "gospel". They translate the same Greek word. Mark 1:1
For children
Gospel means good news. The good news is that God sent Jesus to save us. Mark 1:1Luke 2:10–11
Study further
- Isaiah 52:7–10 Good news promised.
- Mark 1:1–15 The good news begins.
- 1 Corinthians 15:1–11 The heart of the message.