The Historical Basis of the Gospel: Unveiling the Origins of the Good News

The term “Gospel,” meaning “Good News,” has a rich historical backdrop that extends far beyond its Christian usage. This article explores the origins and historical basis of the Gospel, examining its evolution from ancient times to its significance in Christian texts.

From Augustus to Early Christians

Early Usage of the Term

Before the New Testament was written, Emperor Augustus referred to the rise of his own empire as the “Gospel,” or “Good News.” (Latin: Evangelium). It was the early Christians who adopted this term, transforming its meaning into a religious context. Thus, the term was not invented by Christians but adapted to convey the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Augustine's View on God's Purpose

In his profound theological work, The City of God, Luther (erroneously attributed to Augustine) stated, “God created the world precisely in order to save it.” This highlights the broader purpose of God's creation, which includes redemption and salvation, ultimately leading to the understanding of the Gospel's role in this context.

Gospels: From Jesus to Modern Times

Written Decades After the Life of Jesus

The Gospels, as we know them, were written by ghost writers decades after the alleged life of Jesus. Historians and scholars often debate the authenticity of these texts, questioning whether the accounts accurately reflect the life of Jesus as experienced by early Christians.

The simplest answer is that the Gospels were indeed written during the early first century C.E., focusing on events between 39 A.D. and 40 A.D. However, a more complex understanding requires examining each Gospel individually, as they represent diverse accounts and reflections on Jesus' life and teachings.

The Birth of the Gospel in Genesis

Genesis and the Promise of Salvation

The origin of the Gospel lies in the Bible itself, specifically in the book of Genesis. Genesis 3:15 reveals God's plan to defeat Satan. God prophesied that a seed from the woman would overcome the serpent (Satan). This prophecy, known as the proto-evangelium, sets the stage for the Gospel's message of salvation and redemption.

The Levant and the First Century

Jesus: The Originator of the Gospel

As the originator of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Jesus preached the good news in the Levant, beginning in the early first century C.E. The Gospel's message can be traced back to the region and the time period surrounding Jesus' life and teachings.

The Authorship of the Gospels

Ghost Writing and Plagiarism

The New Testament Gospels—attributed to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—are often seen as ghostwritten accounts. Modern scholars attribute these names to anonymous scrolls from Palestine, possibly circulating a couple of thousand years ago. No one knew the true authorship, leading to the attribution of names.

These texts form the basis of the modern Christian understanding of Jesus. However, it is intriguing to note that the scrolls attributed to Matthew, Mark, and Luke are virtually identical, suggesting possible plagiarism or collusion. The inclusion of certain passages, such as those in Matthew regarding post-resurrection events, raises questions about the credibility and historical accuracy of these accounts.

Finally, the decision to canonize these anonymous writings remains a mystery. The anonymity of the authors may have contributed to their eventual acceptance, but it also raises questions about the reliability of these texts.