Recently I’ve been hearing that to the Romans of Jesus’ day, a “gospel” was an announcement of the government of a new ruler, whether a new Caesar or governor of some province, or etc. and it consisted of a flattering bio and a listing of the advantages of being a subject of this new ruler, told how great he was, etc. Therefore the “gospel” of Jesus was a highly subversive idea and amounted to an open declaration of opposition in the eyes of the current government – so the story goes. I like the sound of it and apparently so do at least a handful of current authors . . .
But I looked up the etymology of “gospel” and “euangelion” and I can’t find this supported anywhere on-line. So, is this a half-baked assertion, or is there some truth to it? Does anyone here know?
Thanks!
Cindy