Heralding the Good News: The Origins of Evangelism

We can probably all picture it: On a dim stage in a church auditorium, the spotlight finds a nervous child, dressed in a shining white robe, moving to center stage. “Hark!” the young actor exclaims to others on the stage holding shepherd’s crooks. It’s the “herald angel” of a Christmas play, of course. The role of a herald is to announce news to an intended audience. In the biblical context of the New Testament, that role was fulfilled by the angels at the birth of Jesus, by Jesus himself in his earthly ministry, and by the disciples and apostles who received his message and assumed the responsibility to carry that good news forward.

The roots of the term evangel come from the Greek noun euangelion, which means “good news” or “good tidings.” The word has been transliterated through Latin as evangelium, French as evangeile, and into Middle English as evangile. Though evangel can mean good news in general and a term for the four Gospels of the New Testament, it refers especially to the good news of redemption that God has graciously provided through the death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ (1 Cor 15:3–4). Colloquially, the word also signifies the person who shares the message, more frequently called an “evangelist.” Of the ninety-four times we find the Greek root in the New Testament, seventeen instances take the verb form euangelidzo, for preaching or proclaiming the gospel—hence evangelism. A look at the multiple noun references throughout the NT shows the centrality of the gospel to the Christian faith. It is a message for people to receive by faith, and those who believe bear a number of responsibilities in how they handle the message of the gospel. Let’s take a “gospel tour” of the New Testament.

In speaking of the gospel, the New Testament calls it the gospel of Jesus Christ (Mark 1:1; Gal 1:7; 1 Thess 3:2), the gospel of God (Mark 1:14; 1 Thess 2:2; 8, 9), and the gospel of the kingdom (Matt 4:23; 9:35; 24:14). Romans 1 explains that the Old Testament prophets promised the gospel in their messages and affirms that the gospel centers on Jesus Christ. It is powerful to save, as it reveals the righteousness of God which is available by grace through faith (Rom 1:1–2, 16–17; Gal 3:8).

Belief in the gospel results in salvation (Rom 1:16), forgiveness (Luke 3:3), strength for service (Rom 16:25), and obtaining the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thess 2:13–14). The message is characterized as one of joy (Luke 2:10–11), light (2 Cor 4:4), truth (Gal 2:5; Eph 1:13; Col 1:5), peace (Eph 6:15), mystery (Eph 6:19), hope (Col 1:23), and glory (1 Tim 1:11). It is eternal in nature (Rev 14:6).

The responsibilities the gospel calls for include belief (Mark 1:15; Rom 10:16; 2 Cor 9:13), repentance (Mark 1:14–15; Acts 20:20–21), confession (2 Cor 9:13), and obedience (Rom 1:5; 15:18). Entrusted with the gospel (Gal 2:7; 1 Thess 2:4), we are to declare (1 Thess 2:2, 8–9) and defend it (Phil 1:7, 16) so that it will advance (Phil 1:12). The Bible calls for a commitment to serve the gospel (Mark 8:35; Rom 1:9; 15:16, 19; Phil 2:22; 1 Thess 3:2), stand firm for the gospel (Phil 1:27; Col 1:23), and even suffer for the gospel (Phil 1:7; 2 Tim 1:8; Phlm 13). The Bible promises rewards for one’s commitment to the gospel (Mark 10:29) and warns of severe judgment for those who reject the message (Rom 2:16; 1 Pet 4:17).

As proclaimed by the angels, the “evangel” was a message of joy for the world, for by means of the Incarnation, the Son of God became the Son of Man—Jesus Christ the Lord. In his person and work, the good news of kingdom of God and the redemption of sinners was assured.

This “evangel” is so life-changing and eternity-determinative, it’s no wonder the psalmist invites us to “Sing to the LORD a new song. Sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD. Praise his name. Announce every day how he delivers” (Psalm 96:1–2). Let us take the stage with the angels and all creation, joyfully heralding the good news!

About the Contributors

Mark L. Bailey

Dr. Bailey assumed the role of DTS Chancellor after serving for 19 years as the Seminary’s fifth President, and continues his role as Sr. Professor in the Bible Exposition department. In addition to his years at Dallas Theological Seminary, he has pastored various churches in Arizona and Texas. He was a seminar instructor for Walk Thru the Bible Ministries for twenty years and is in demand for Bible conferences and other preaching engagements all over the country and world. His overseas ministries have included Venezuela, Argentina, Hungary, and China. He is also a regular tour leader in Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, and Rome. His board service includes Bible Study Fellowship, Walk Thru the Bible Ministries, and Word of Life.