gospel

[ gos-puhl ]

noun

1. the teachings of Jesus and the apostles; the Christian revelation.
2. the story of Christ's life and teachings, especially as contained in the first four books of the New Testament, namely Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
3. (usually initial capital letter) any of these four books.
4. something regarded as true and implicitly believed:

   to take his report for gospel.

5. a doctrine regarded as of prime importance:

   political gospel.

6. glad tidings, especially concerning salvation and the kingdom of God as announced to the world by Christ.
7. (often initial capital letter) Ecclesiastical. an extract from one of the four Gospels, forming part of the Eucharistic service in certain churches.
8. gospel music.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or proclaiming the gospel or its teachings:

   a gospel preacher.

2. in accordance with the gospel; evangelical.
3. of or relating to gospel music:

   a gospel singer.

gospel

¹

/ ˈɡɒspəl /

noun

1. Also calledgospel truth an unquestionable truth

   to take someone's word as gospel

2. a doctrine maintained to be of great importance
3. Black religious music originating in the churches of the Southern states of the United States
4. the message or doctrine of a religious teacher
5. 1. the story of Christ's life and teachings as narrated in the Gospels
   2. the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ
   3. ( as modifier )

      the gospel story

Gospel

²

/ ˈɡɒspəl /

noun

1. any of the first four books of the New Testament, namely Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
2. a reading from one of these in a religious service

gospel

1. The “good news” of salvation (see also salvation ) ( see Gospels ). Certain styles of religious music are also called “gospel.” ( See spirituals (see also spirituals ).)

Other Words From

• non·gospel adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gospel¹

First recorded before 950; Middle English go(d)spell, Old English gōdspell ( good, spell ² ); translation of Greek euangélion “good news” ( evangel ¹ )

Word History and Origins

Origin of gospel¹

Old English gōdspell, from gōd good + spell message; see spell ²; compare Old Norse guthspjall, Old High German guotspell

Example Sentences

"The broad universalism standing at the center of the Gospel makes brotherhood morally inescapable," he said at a conference on Christian faith.

From Salon

Missions in Haiti’s website says its goal is “to see the Gospel of Christ make a difference in the lives of Haiti’s young people.”

From Seattle Times

Gospel music has its origins in the American South, and grew out of musical traditions of Africa and hymns enslaved people sang.

From Seattle Times

But Orange County’s purple revolution reminds me of Jesus’ bitter comment in the Gospels that a prophet is honored everywhere except in his hometown, and among his own family.

From Los Angeles Times

Since then, he’s won three more Grammys for Best Gospel Album, Album of the Year and, this year, for Best Traditional R&B Performance for “Good Morning.”

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• dogma
• faith
• truth