What does the word Gospel mean?

“Gospel” means good news. In Christian usage, it names the message about Jesus Christ and also the four New Testament books that tell of His life, teaching, death and resurrection. When someone says “read a Gospel” and “believe the gospel,” the word is being used in two related ways. Recognizing that difference makes church conversations easier to follow.

The message and the books

The opening of Mark 1 calls its subject the good news of Jesus Christ. A little later, in verses 14–15, Jesus proclaims the good news of God’s Kingdom and calls people to respond. The word already concerns something being announced. It is useful to notice that before thinking of a printed book with a title on its cover.

The four books traditionally called the Gospels are Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. They give extended accounts of Jesus, including His encounters with people. Each can be read from beginning to end. A Christian speaking of the gospel may also mean the message these accounts communicate, rather than a particular passage or a single volume.

For example, “We are reading the Gospel according to Luke” identifies a book. “The speaker explained the gospel” identifies a subject of proclamation. The second sentence does not tell you which Bible passage the speaker used. Asking for the passage is a sensible way to make the conversation more specific.

What is the good news about?

In 1 Corinthians 15:1–11, Paul reminds his readers of the good news he preached to them. His account brings together Christ’s death for sins, burial and resurrection, followed by appearances to witnesses. The passage gives a concrete example of what a New Testament writer means by the message. It is more specific than a general hope that life will improve.

Notice how Paul speaks of something received and passed on. The message concerns Christ and events involving Him; the passage also addresses the readers’ response. Read the whole paragraph before drawing a conclusion from one phrase. The later discussion explains why resurrection matters to Paul’s argument. The topic is developed further in our article on salvation by grace.

At the beginning of Mark, the Kingdom of God and the call to repentance and faith are in view. Paul’s paragraph emphasizes Christ’s death and resurrection. Read those passages as part of their respective books. Together they show why explaining the gospel involves talking about Jesus, what He announces and what happens to Him.

How the Gospel books tell the message

The four Gospels have room for scenes that a brief statement cannot include. Readers meet people who ask questions, misunderstand an answer or respond to Jesus over time. Following a conversation helps explain words that can sound abstract when they appear alone in a sermon or a short quotation.

Luke 1:1–4 describes the preparation of an account addressed to Theophilus, drawing on what had been handed down by eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Near the end of John 20:30–31, the writer explains the purpose of the selected signs recorded in the book: belief concerning Jesus and life in His name. These statements help readers ask what each narrative is doing.

Neither passage asks the reader to treat the book as a collection of disconnected sayings. If a sentence puzzles you, look at the scene around it. Who is speaking? What question prompted the answer? What happens afterward? Our guide to starting a Gospel shows how to work through a passage without needing to understand every unfamiliar term in advance.

Gospel, New Testament and Bible

The four Gospels are part of the New Testament. The New Testament also contains Acts, letters and Revelation. The whole Bible includes the Old Testament as well. Calling every Bible passage “a Gospel passage” can therefore cause confusion. A reading from a letter may explain the gospel while still being a passage from a letter.

A printed edition titled “New Testament” can contain all four Gospels and other books. An edition containing only John is a smaller selection. Check the contents page rather than judging by the size or cover. Our overview of the Old and New Testaments explains how the larger collection is arranged.

A useful first reading exercise

Read Mark 1:1 and 1:14–20 together. On a sheet of paper, separate what is announced from how people respond. Use the words of the passage in your notes. If you are reading with someone else, compare the verses that led each of you to an observation before discussing what it means for everyday life.

Then read 1 Corinthians 15:1–11. Write one sentence describing the message Paul says he handed on. Keep unanswered questions beside the sentence. You can return to them as you read further, particularly when the Gospel accounts reach the death and resurrection of Jesus.