Class Notes

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The Gospel in Biblical Narrative

​Intro

• The earliest accounts of Jesus’ life and teachings.
• Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John (known as “the Gospels”).

 
What is the Gospel?

• The word “gospel” (Old English: god-spel, meaning “good tidings”) comes from the Greek evangelion that means “good news.”
• There are 4 accounts (Gospels) in the Bible: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
• They are found in the New Testament section of the Christian Bible.
• The Gospel refers to the good news of our salvation in Jesus Christ:
  • "Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news from God. “The time has come,” Jesus said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”" (Mark 1:14-15)
  • "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”" (Isaiah 52:7)

 
The Gospels

• theological biographies of Jesus that focus on his announcement of the Kingdom of God.
• based on the eyewitness testimony of the apostles.
• Gospel narratives have two main goals:
  1. To tell the story of Jesus
  2. To persuade us to change our lives and follow Him.

 
Four Unique Features in Gospel Narratives

1. Old Testament (Septuagint) references.
2. Jesus Christ’s divine identity.
3. The Cross is the fulfillment of the Story.
4. Each one highlights different sides of Jesus’ character.

Remember

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The Gospel in Biblical Narrative is:

• The “good news” account of our salvation in Jesus Christ.
• its purpose is to move us to act and follow Christ.
• Each gospel account has its own unique character.