Mark begins with the words 'The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ.' The familiar English word 'gospel' translates the Greek euangelion, meaning good news or a joyful announcement.
Jesus in Context
Euangelion: The Beginning of the Gospel
Mark opens by describing his account as the beginning of the euangelion, the good news concerning Jesus Christ.
Introduction
Historical and Cultural Context
In Greek usage, words from the euangelion family could describe good news or the announcement of significant events. In the Greek Old Testament related language also appears in contexts of announcing victory, deliverance, and God's reign.
By the first century, imperial announcements could likewise be described with good-news vocabulary. Mark therefore uses a recognizable public-announcement term while filling it with the story and identity of Jesus.
Why It Matters
For Mark, 'gospel' is not initially the name of a book genre. It is news to be announced. His opening line frames the entire story that follows as good news centered upon Jesus the Messiah and Son of God.