What does the word “gospel” originally mean?

“Gospel” comes from the Old English godspel, meaning “good news” or “good story.” It translated the Greek word euangelion, which the New Testament writers used for the message of Jesus Christ.

In the Roman world, euangelion could describe news of a military victory or the birth of an emperor’s heir. The early Christians used it for the greatest news of all: that Jesus had died for sins and risen again.

The Greek word also gives us “evangelist,” one who brings good news. Over time, “gospel” came to name the first four books of the New Testament and, much later, a whole style of American church music.