Yung Suk Kim, PhD
The gospel/good news is a translation of euangelion, which means "good news" or "glad tidings." This word is used by the emperor who legitimates his rule. Also, the Septuagint has this word (Isa 52:7; 40:9). Isa 52:7 reads: "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, 'Your God reigns.'"The good news in the New Testament is not a genre or book. The four Gospels are writings/stories about Jesus.
Then, how does the New Testament use this word euangelion? Let's focus on the Gospels and Paul's letters (authentic only). In the Four Gospels, the good news is about God or God's rule. Derivately, it is also about Jesus. For example, "the good news of the kingdom of God" appears in Luke 4:43, 8:1, and 16:16. Likewise, "the good news of the kingdom, which is interchangeable with God" is in Matthew 4:23 and 24:14. In Mark 1:14, we find "the good news of God." All these combined, good news emphasizes God's rule on earth, and Jesus proclaims and exemplifies it through his word and deeds. Because of his work, he is referred to as "the good news of Jesus Christ" (Mark 1:1). Paul also uses the phrase "the good news of Jesus Christ" (1 Cor 9:12-13; Gal 1:7; Phil 1:27; 1 Thess 3:2). But before this, he begins with "the good news of God," who is the source of the good news (Rom 1:1; 15:6; 1 Thess 2:2, 8-9). For Paul, God is the center of the good news for which Jesus devoted his life.
So all forms of knowledge or doctrines that reduce the good news only to Jesus or particular teachings like redemption or salvation misrepresent the good news in the Gospels or Paul's letters. It is a much bigger term dealing with God's rule or power. Before we address the good news of salvation, we need to refer to God and Jesus. Before dealing with the good news of Jesus, we must address God and point to his love and call. The good news is never equated with the cross of Jesus, either. In conclusion, it is the power of God! (Rom 1:16). Or like in the Gospels, it is "the good news of God," the good news of the kingdom of God" or "the good news of the kingdom."
So all forms of knowledge or doctrines that reduce the good news only to Jesus or particular teachings like redemption or salvation misrepresent the good news in the Gospels or Paul's letters. It is a much bigger term dealing with God's rule or power. Before we address the good news of salvation, we need to refer to God and Jesus. Before dealing with the good news of Jesus, we must address God and point to his love and call. The good news is never equated with the cross of Jesus, either. In conclusion, it is the power of God! (Rom 1:16). Or like in the Gospels, it is "the good news of God," the good news of the kingdom of God" or "the good news of the kingdom."