Word Studies on "Gospel"

People say "the gospel is 1 cor. 15: that Jesus died for our sins according to the scriptures, that He was buried and was resurrected."

Is this the message that sanctifies or justifies? (Or perhaps can it be both?)


The number used in this passage is: 2098 -- which is the greek word "gospel" meaning the entire narrative of scriptures.

I want to show you the results I've found on how the two words "gospel" are used by Paul. It is instrumental to see how the words are used by the author. For reference:

2097 -- εὐαγγελίζω to bring good news, to announce good tidings (verb)

2098 -- εὐαγγέλιον (includes the above and also this aspect to its usage) the narrative of the sayings, deeds, and death of Jesus Christ came to be called the gospel or glad tidings (noun)

In this passage below, Paul crafts the use of both 2097 and 2098 earlier on in 1 corinthians....

1 cor 9:18:

What then is my reward? That in my preaching 2097 I may present the gospel 2098 free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel 2098.

To support this distinction in the two versions of the word "gospel," consider the topic of chapter 9 where this verse was pulled. The Word declares that salvation is by faith alone; the gift of eternal life is granted in an instant upon faith. Do we think of that as the end of the road? No. He also commanded us to teach all His commandments, to make disciples of all men. Paul was also employed in this work of discipleship, not just evangelizing the lost. Here, Paul discussed protocol for his income and likened it to the work of OT temple workers who were never done:

1Cor.9:14:

In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel 2098 should get their living by the gospel 2098.

You don't suppose he could have much an income from just evangelism, an instantaneous kind of event? Especially if the listeners reject it we're supposed to shake the dust and move on. But -- discipleship goes on for some great deal of time, if not forever.

For these reasons, among others already shared and those in future posts, I see 2098 used with the entire Word of God that apostles preach to the churches, and 2097 as the powerful working of salvation to the ears of the lost.