Deep Dive into εὐαγγέλιον

The term εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion), meaning "good news," traces a sharp evolution from mundane secular usage to a unique theological concept.

Its earliest known secular meanings were twofold: "a reward for good news" given to the messenger who brought glad tidings, and simply "good news" or "glad tidings" itself, often referring to victory in battle. This word later gained sacral and political significance, most notably within the imperial cult, where the birth or accession of the Roman emperor was proclaimed as εὐαγγέλια, announcing salvation and a new era through the divine ruler.

Simultaneously, the concept was shaped by the Jewish prophetic tradition, which anticipated a herald, the mebaśśēr, announcing Yahweh’s victory and kingly rule. This proclamation was not just information, but an effective word that ushered in the eschatological age and brought salvation and peace.

In the New Testament, εὐαγγέλιον is used exclusively for God’s saving action in Jesus Christ. Its core content is the proclamation of the kingdom of God, which demands faith and repentance. This proclamation is foundational, as it is the effective power that inaugurates divine rule and fulfills ancient prophecies.

Throughout history, proclaimers included political messengers, prophets bringing good tidings to the poor, and eschatological figures. In the Christian tradition, God and angels initiate the message, but Jesus Christ is the central proclaimer, and the task continues through apostles and evangelists.

Finally, the term itself transitioned from describing the dynamic oral act of proclamation (the effective, powerful Word of God) to designating the written narrative accounts containing the life and teachings of Jesus, which the early church referred to as the Gospels.

Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian

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