The meaning of “Gospel” We have used the meaning of the term “gospel” mainly to refer to a type of written document, such as the first four books of the New Testament. But that use of the word gospel became prevalent in the church only during the later part of the second century. The primary sense of “gospel” was “to proclaim good news.” Life is made up of choices. Aren’t there days when you yearn for a more simple life with fewer choices to make? But life is made up of choices! When we decide to read about the life of Jesus, again we are faced with choices. Instead if just one writing, we have four— Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Why four? Wouldn’t one do just as well? Although there is but one Lord, there are many witnesses to that one Lord. No one person alone could capture all the gems of Jesus’ life. John admitted, “Many other signs therefore Jesus also preformed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book” John 20:30. John ended his writings by letting his readers know that no one by himself could completely capture Jesus, “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books which were written” John 21:25.