The Hidden Depth in the Word “Gospel”

Verse of the day: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” – Romans 1:16

When we hear the word “gospel”, we think of the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. That’s true — but in the original Greek, the word gospel is εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion), and it carried a powerful meaning in the first century.

In the Greco-Roman world, an euangelion was “good news” — but not just any good news. It was the official announcement of a victory. When a king won a battle, messengers would run ahead of the army into the city to declare the euangelion — the good news that their ruler had triumphed, the enemy had been defeated, and peace was now secured.

When the apostles used the word euangelion, they were saying something bold:
Jesus Christ is the victorious King. He has defeated sin, death, and the powers of darkness through His death and resurrection. The “good news” isn’t just a spiritual idea — it’s the declaration of a cosmic victory.

Why This Matters for Us
When we share the gospel — whether through words, actions, or even what we wear — we are acting as royal heralds, announcing the victory of our King. We are reminding the world that the battle has been won, and that salvation is available to everyone who believes.

You don’t have to stand on a street corner to be a herald of the euangelion.
Sometimes, your life itself — the way you speak, serve, and even dress — can carry the message of victory to those around you.

Reflection Question:
How can you be a living herald of the euangelion this week?