The Greek word behind gospel means good news. The Greeks used this word when referring to the birth of a son or victory in battle. In the New Testament, the word describes the news given to Zachariah and Elizabeth that they would give birth to a son after years of barrenness (Luke 1:19). Paul said the report that the Thessalonians still loved him and believed in Jesus was “gospel” to him; that is, good news. An angel used this same word when he told some shepherds: “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people” (Luke 2:10).

The gospel is good news from God. The angel who spoke to the shepherds brought the good news, but it was not his good news. Angels are God’s messengers; they deliver, not send, messages. Jesus testified that the good news is from God. He said that “He [the Spirit of God] anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor” (Luke 4:18). God set Paul apart “for the gospel of God” (Romans 1:1), and it was that gospel of God that he preached to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 11:7). The good news finds its source in God.