Gospels

/ˈɡɑspəlz/ noun

Definition

The first four books of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) that tell the story of Jesus's life, or more broadly, any teachings considered absolute truth.

Etymology

From Old English 'godspel' meaning 'good news,' combining 'god' (good) and 'spel' (news or story). This was a direct translation of the Latin 'evangelium' and Greek 'euangelion.'

Kelly Says

Gospel literally means 'good news' in Old English—the word wasn't invented for religion, it just meant exciting news! That's why we still say something is 'gospel truth' when we mean absolute fact.

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