I Am Gospelling You!

Here is another excerpt from Christopher Ash's book on the first two chapters of Luke, Repeat the Sounding Joy. He offers an interesting view on what "gospel" means; specifically, the use of the word in Luke 2:10: "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.'"

Here it is:

Here's the message: "I bring you good news" (v 10) - literally, "I am gospelling you." In the ancient world a "gospel" was the announcement of a new government. When a new king took over a country, messengers went through the land proclaiming the "gospel" of this new ruler. So who's the ruler? He arrives in "the town of David" (Bethlehem); he's going to be a "Saviour"; he is "the Messiah" (or "Christ"), "the Lord" (v.11). So he's a king - the King in David's line, the great Ruler promised all down the Old Testament years. And, precisely because he will be a powerful Ruler, he will be the Saviour of all God's people."

That's a great insight, isn't it? I new "gospel" meant "good news" but didn't know about its connection to the proclamation of a new ruler!