Cultural Nuances in Contextualizing the Gospel Globally
The term "Gospel" derives from the Old English "god spell," meaning "good message" or "good news," which translates the Greek euaggelion [2]. This good news centers on the life and teachings of Christ [2]. The universal promulgation of this message is a consistent theme in Christian scripture and theology, with Jesus instructing his apostles to begin in Jerusalem and extend their sphere of labor [5]. Mark 13:10 states that "the Gospel must first be published among all nations" [1].
The rapid spread of the Gospel is noted in early Christian writings. Adam Clarke describes the doctrine of the Gospel as a traveler whose object is to visit the entire habitable earth, having started in Judea and quickly moving through Syria and Asia Minor to places like Colossae [3]. By the time of the writing of Colossians, the Gospel had "gone nearly through the whole of the countries under the Roman dominion" [3]. This rapid dissemination is seen as a fulfillment of the divine plan, with the Gospel proclaiming "glad tidings of great joy to all people" [3].
The global reach of the Gospel is not merely a historical observation but an ongoing mission. The book of Revelation speaks of "another angel fly[ing] in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel" to preach to those who dwell on the earth, to every nation, tribe, language, and people [4, 6]. This vision is interpreted by some as a "particular dispensation of providence and grace" or a specific group of Christians dedicated to spreading the Gospel worldwide [4]. The dispersion of the Jewish people before Christ's coming is also seen as a providential preparation for the apostles' missionary work, as their widespread presence facilitated the spread of the message [9].
The purpose of this global proclamation is not necessarily to convert every individual but to offer every nation the opportunity to hear and respond to the message of Christ [6]. This act of sharing the Gospel also leads to the glorification of God, as those who receive it give thanks and acknowledge God as the source of grace [7]. The core message, as preached by the shepherds at Christ's birth, is "Glory to God in the highest heavens, and on earth peace and good will among men," which encapsulates the essence of the Gospel [8].
Sources
- Mark “Mark 13:10 (Geneva1599) — And the Gospel must first be published among all nations.”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Gospels — The name Gospel (from god and spell, Ang. Sax. good message or news, which is a translation of the Greek euaggelion) is applied to the four inspired histories of the life and teaching of Christ contained in the New Testament, of which separate accounts are given in their place. They were all composed during the latter half of the first century: those of St. Matthew and St. Mark some years before the destruction of Jerusalem; that of St. Luke probably about A.D. 64; and that of St. John towards the close of the century. Before the end of the second century, t”
- Colossians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Colossians 1:6: Which is come unto you - The doctrine of the Gospel is represented as a traveler, whose object it is to visit the whole habitable earth; and, having commenced his journey in Judea, had proceeded through Syria and through different parts of Asia Minor, and had lately arrived at their city, every where proclaiming glad tidings of great joy to all people. As it is in all the world - So rapid is this traveler in his course, that he had already gone nearly through the whole of the countries under the Roman dominion; and will travel on till he has proclaimed his messag”
- Revelation (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Revelation 14:6: Another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel - Whether this angel mean any more than a particular dispensation of providence and grace, by which the Gospel shall be rapidly sent throughout the whole world; or whether it mean any especial messenger, order of preachers, people, or society of Christians, whose professed object it is to send the Gospel of the kingdom throughout the earth, we know not. But the vision seems truly descriptive of a late institution, entitled The British and Foreign Bible Society, whose object it is to print an”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, section 1.3: perception of that system of doctrine which Paul was honored to declare.” The Epistle To The Philippians stands associated with a most interesting event in the history of the progress of Christianity. While the charge given to the Apostles as to the universal promulgation of the Gospel was most explicit, it was in a gradual manner, and for the most part under the guidance of circumstances seemingly fortuitous, that their sphere of labor was extended. “Beginning at Jerusalem,” ( Luke 24:47 ,) as expressly instructed ”
- Revelation (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Revelation 14:6: Here begins the portion relating to the Gentile world, as the former portion related to Israel. Before the end the Gospel is to be preached for a WITNESS unto all nations: not that all nations shall be converted, but all nations shall have had the opportunity given them of deciding whether they will be for, or against, Christ. Those thus preached to are "they that dwell (so A, Coptic, and Syriac read. But B, C, ORIGEN, Vulgate, CYPRIAN, 312, read, 'SIT,' compare Mat 4:16; Luk 1:79, having their settled home) on the earth," being of earth earthy: th”
- 2 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Corinthians 9:13: Whiles by the experiment of this ministration,.... That is, the poor saints at Jerusalem having a specimen, a proof, an experience of the liberality of the Gentile churches ministered to them by the apostles, first, they glorify God; by giving thanks unto him, acknowledging him to be the author of all the grace and goodness which they, and others, were partakers of; particularly for your professed subjection to the Gospel of Christ. The Gospel of Christ is the doctrine of grace, life, and salvation by Christ, of which he is the author, as God, the subject m”
- Luke (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Luke 2:17: They made known abroad the saying - These shepherds were the first preachers of the Gospel of Christ: and what was their text? Why, Glory to God in the highest heavens, and on earth peace and good will among men. This is the elegant and energetic saying which comprises the sum and substance of the Gospel of God. This, and this only, is the message which all Christ's true pastors or shepherds bring to men. He who, while he professes the religion of Christ, disturbs society by his preachings or writings, who excludes from the salvation of God all who hold not his religi”
- Zechariah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Zechariah 10:9: sow them among . . . people--Their dispersion was with a special design. Like seed sown far and wide, they shall, when quickened themselves, be the fittest instruments for quickening others (compare Mic 5:7). The slight hold they have on every soil where they now live, as also the commercial and therefore cosmopolitan character of their pursuits, making a change of residence easy to them, fit them peculiarly for missionary work [MOORE]. The wide dispersion of the Jews just before Christ's coming prepared the way similarly for the apostles' preaching”