The Glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ

THE GOSPEL:

WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?

WHAT THE BIBLE TELLS US ABOUT THE GOSPEL

“AND HE SAID UNTO THEM, GO YE INTO ALL THE WORLD, AND PREACH THE GOSPEL TO EVERY CREATURE.”
—Mark 16:15

The gospel literally means “good news.”

There is no good news without Christ dying and being the “ the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes” (Rom 10:4).

Believers are to “go” and “preach the gospel to every creature.”

This is a commandment. Do not take it lightly.

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men;”
—2 Corinthians 5:10-11a

WHAT THE GOSPEL IS NOT

“The Gospel is not a call to repentance, or to amendment of our ways, to make restitution for past sins, or to promise to do better in the future. These things are proper in their place, but they do not constitute the Gospel; for the Gospel is not good advice to be obeyed, it is good news to be believed. Do not make the mistake then of thinking that the Gospel is a call to duty or a call to reformation, a call to better your condition, to behave yourself in a more perfect way than you have been doing in the past.

Nor is the Gospel a demand that you give up the world, that you give up your sins, that you break off bad habits, and try to cultivate good ones. You may do all these things, and yet never believe the Gospel and consequently never be saved at all.”
—Harry A. Ironside, What is the Gospel?

The gospel is mentioned 99 times in the New Testament: 17 times by Matthew, Mark and Luke; 6 times in Acts; 4 times by Peter and once by John (Revelation).

Of all of the New Testament writers, Paul uses the word “gospel” the most: 13 times in Romans; 9 times in each of his two epistles to the Corinthians; 11 times to the Galatians; 4 times to the Ephesians; 8 times to the Philippians; 2 times to the Colossians; 8 times total in his two epistles to the Thessalonians; 4 times in his two epistles to Timothy; once in Philemon and twice in Hebrews.

For a total of 71 times by Paul.

WHAT IS THE GOSPEL MESSAGE?

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”
—1 Corinthians 15:1-4

In this passage, we see three essential elements of the gospel message. First, the phrase “died for our sins” is very important. As Romans 3:23 tells us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
[…]
Second, the person and work of Christ are indispensable components of the gospel. Jesus is both God (Colossians 2:9) and man (John 1:14).
[…]
Third, the resurrection of Christ is an essential element of the gospel. The resurrection is the proof of the power of God.
—What are the Essentials of the Gospel message?

The Bible says that we are all sinners (Rom. 3:23). This means that we have all offended God. We have all broken His law. Therefore, we are guilty of having sinned. Because of this, we are separated from God (Isaiah 59:2), are dead in our sins (Rom. 6:23; Eph. 2:3), cannot please God (Rom. 3:10-11), and will suffer damnation (2 Thess. 1:9). The only way to escape this judgment is by receiving Christ, by trusting in what Jesus did on the cross (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Pet. 2:24).
—What is the Gospel?

WHAT THE BIBLE TELLS US ABOUT THE GOSPEL

Jesus preached the gospel. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Jesus preached the gospel.

“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.”
—Matthew 4:23

“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.”
—Matthew 9:23

“Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.”
—Luke 7:22

“The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.”
—Matthew 11:5

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,”
—Luke 4:18

“Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.”
—Mark 1:14-15

“And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders,”
—Luke 20:1

The apostles and disciples of Jesus preached the gospel.

“And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.”
—Luke 9:6

“And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.”
—Acts 8:25

“And there they preached the gospel.”
—Acts 14:7

“And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,”\
—Acts 14:21

“And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.”
—Acts 15:7

“And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.”
—Acts 16:10

“Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,”
—Romans 1:1

“Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation:”
—Romans 15:19-20

The gospel is a testimony.

“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”
—Acts 20:24

Believers serve God through the gospel.

“For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;”
—Romans 1:9

The gospel has the power to save men from spiritual death by sin.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
—Romans 1:16

Men will be judged by the gospel.

“In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.”
—Romans 2:16

Those who preach the gospel bring peace and glad tidings.

“And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”
—Romans 10:15

Not all who hear obey the gospel.

“But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?”
—Romans 10:16

The Jews became the enemy of the gospel for the sake of the Gentiles’ salvation.

“As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes.”
—Romans 11:28

The gospel was preached at Rome.

“So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.”
—Romans 1:15

The gospel was preached at Troas.

“Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,”
–2 Corinthians 2:12

The gospel was preached at Corinth.

“Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?”
—2 Corinthians 11:7

The gospel was preached to the Gentiles.

“And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.”
–Galatians 2:2

The gospel was preached to the Galatians.

“Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.”
–Galatians 4:13

The gospel was preached to the Colossians.

“For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;”
–Colossians 1:5

Paul ministered to the Gentiles through the gospel.

“That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.”
—Romans 15:16

The gospel is blessed.
Blessed are all who receive the gospel!

“And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.”
—Romans 15:29

“Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,”
—Romans 16:25

God is here described by his power, and the particular instance of it is the establishing of his people; that is, in the Gospel, as the Syriac version reads the next clause, and in the profession of it, with grace in their hearts, and in the exercise of it, and more lively and cheerful discharge of duty; (See Gill on Romans 1:11);
—Gill’s Exposition of the Bible

Paul wasn’t sent to baptize but to preach the gospel.

“For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.”
—1 Corinthians 1:17

Men are born again through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

“For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.”
—1 Corinthians 4:15

Paul would have rather suffered than hindered the gospel of Christ.

“If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.”
—1 Corinthians 9:12

Those who preach the gospel should live the gospel.

“Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.”
—1 Corinthians 9:14

“For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.”
—1 Corinthians 9:16-18

For though I preach the Gospel, I have nothing to glory of
The sense is not, that if he preached the Gospel in order for a livelihood, and to serve his private advantage, he should have no room for glorying; since, if this was the case, he should be obliged to do it, or perish for want: but his meaning is, that though he preached the Gospel ever so well, or ever so freely, and might glory before men, and against the false teachers, who insulted him in his character and office; yet not before God, from whom he received all his gifts, abilities, and qualifications, to preach the Gospel; all his light and knowledge in it; all his enlargements in meditation, and liberty in expression; all his faithfulness and integrity, courage and intrepidity, in the discharge and performance of his work, were by divine grace and assistance; and his success in it owing to the power and Spirit of God, so that he had nothing to glory of on any of these accounts: hence these words are a correction, or rather an explanation of the preceding:

for necessity is laid upon me;
not of getting a livelihood by preaching, for he could have got, and did get this another way, even by labouring with his hands; nor of force and compulsion, for no one more readily engaged in it, or more cheerfully performed it; but of obligation from the divine call to this work, and from his own conscience, in which he knew it to be an heavenly one, and from the nature of the trust committed to him, and because of the good of immortal souls, and the honour of Christ; all which lay with weight upon him, and obliged him in duty, love, and gratitude, to attend to it:

yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the Gospel;
which is to be understood, not of any temporal affliction, as reproach, persecution, famine, nakedness, sword for such sort of woes frequently attend those that do preach the Gospel; but of the wounding of his conscience, and exposing himself, through the neglect of his calling, and contempt of the divine will, to the wrath and curse of God for ever; not that the apostle feared this would be his case, or that it possibly could be; but he thus speaks, to show what he or any other minister of the Gospel would deserve, at the hand of God, who having abilities to preach, should not make use of them; or should preach, but not the Gospel; or only a part of it, and not the whole; or should entirely desist from it, through self-interest, or the fear of man, or through being ashamed of Christ and his Gospel, or as not able to bear the reproach and persecution attending it.

For if I do this thing willingly
That is, not freely and without receiving anything for preaching, without seeking any temporal profits and advantages; nor in pure love to Christ, and the good of souls, without any fear of punishment, or hope of reward; but the apostle supposes a case which was not, and his sense is, that supposing no necessity had been laid upon him, or any injunction or command given him to preach the Gospel, but he had entered on it without any obligation upon him, then, says he,

I have a reward;
or should have one, or might expect one; so the Jews F17 say, that a reward is given to him, who does anything unbidden:

but if against my will,
or unwillingly,

a dispensation of the Gospel is committed to me;
which was his case; the Gospel was committed to his trust, as anything is to the trust and charge of a steward by his lord, who is obliged to take care of it, and is accountable for it, and of whom faithfulness is required; he did not undertake this economy, or dispensation of the Gospel of himself, of his own mind and will, but it was enjoined him by one that had the command over him, and could and did oblige him to take the charge of it; though he made him willing, as well as able to do it: and therefore since this was the case, that it was not at his own option whether he would preach the Gospel or not, but he was obliged to it by one, that had a superior power and influence over him; hence, though he performed it ever so well, and with never so much faithfulness and integrity, he asks in the following verse,

What is my reward then?
&c.] None at all, I have none to expect, hope for, or claim, in a way of debt; I am a servant intrusted by my Lord with the Gospel, and an unprofitable one I am; I do, at most and best, but what is my duty, and for that I can claim no reward: all the reward that remains is only this,

verily, that when I preach the Gospel,
which I am obliged to do,

I may make the Gospel of Christ without charge;
to them that hear it, as he did to the Corinthians, which was his glorying in ( 1 Corinthians 9:15 ) and is the same with his reward here; for this means not any reward from God, but his glorying among men, and against the false teachers; that when he preached the word at Corinth, he was not chargeable to any, nor would he ever be: his reason for it is,

that I abuse not my power in the Gospel;
his right of having a maintenance, whilst he was preaching the Gospel; to have made use of which would have been an abuse of it, since it would have given occasion to the false apostles to reproach and calumniate, and might have been an hinderance to the Gospel of Christ, and a stumbling to some weak minds.
—Gill’s Exposition of the Bible

“And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.”
–1 Corinthians 9:23

And this I do for the Gospel’s sake
The Alexandrian copy and some others read, “all things I do” and so the Vulgate Latin and Ethiopic versions; that is, he became all things to all men, and so and so to different persons; not for his own sake, for his own temporal advantage, or to curry favour with men; not for the sake of gaining wealth, or honour and applause to himself, but for the spread of the Gospel, and its greater usefulness among men: to which he adds,

that I might be partaker thereof with you;
meaning either the fruit of the Gospel, the conversion and salvation of sinners, which would be matter of joy both to him and them; or the blessings of grace and eternal life, which the Gospel reveals and promises, which he desired to enjoy in common with others, not only with the Corinthians, for the word “you” is not in the original text, but with Jews and Gentiles; with men of all sorts, who may be gained over to Christ, and saved by him, through the ministry of the word.
—Gill’s Exposition of the Bible

Once received, the believer can stand in the gospel.

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;”
—1 Corinthians 15:1

The lost have their minds blinded to the gospel.

“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”
—2 Corinthians 4:3-4

“And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;”
—2 Corinthians 8:8

2 Corinthians 8:18. the brother, whose praise is in the gospel–whose praise is known in connection with the Gospel: Luke may be meant; not that “the Gospel” here refers to his written Gospel; but the language implies some one well known throughout the churches, and at that time with Paul, as Luke then was ( Acts 20:6 ). Not a Macedonian, as appears from 2 Corinthians 9:4 . Of all Paul’s “companions in travel” ( 2 Corinthians 8:19 , Acts 19:29 ), Luke was the most prominent, having been his companion in preaching the Gospel at his first entrance into Europe ( Acts 16:10 ). The fact that the person here referred to was “chosen of the churches” as their trustee to travel with Paul in conveying the contribution to Jerusalem, implies that he had resided among them some time before: this is true of Luke, who after parting from Paul at Philippi (as he marks by the change from “we” to “they,” Acts 16:11 ) six years before, is now again found in his company in Macedonia. In the interim he had probably become so well known that “his praise was throughout all the churches.” Compare 2 Corinthians 12:18 , 1:24 . He who is faithful in the Gospel will be faithful also in matters of inferior importance [BENGEL].
—Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible; Robert Jamieson,
A. R. Fausset and David Brown. 1871

Men who honestly profess and submit to the gospel will honor Christ in deeds as well as words.

“Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;”
—2 Corinthians 9:13

“For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ:”
—2 Corinthians 10:14

2 Corinthians 10:14. “We are not stretching ourselves beyond our measure, as (we should be) if we did not reach unto you: (but we do), for as far as even to you have we come in preaching the Gospel.”
—Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible; Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset and David Brown. 1871

“To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand.”
—2 Corinthians 10:16

2 Corinthians 10:16. To–that is, so as to preach . . . beyond you (and) not to boast, &c.
in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand–Do not connect “line of things,” &c.; but “boast of things,” &c. To make this clearer, arrange the words thus, “Not to boast as to things (already made by the preaching of others) ready to our hand in another man’s line (that is, within the line, or sphere of labor, apportioned by God to another).”
—-Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible; Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset and David Brown. 1871

Men will listen to another gospel.

“For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him”
—2 Corinthians 11:4

“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:”
—Galatians 1:6

False teachers will pervert the gospel of Jesus Christ.

“Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.”
—Galatians 1:7

What happens to those who preach another gospel?

“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”
—Galatians 1:8-9

Paul’s gospel was not given to him by man.

“But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.”
—Galatians 1:11

The gospel is the word of truth.

“To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.”
—Galatians 2:5

The gospel was preached to the Jew and to the Gentile.

“But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;”
—Galatians 2:7

One can receive the truth of the gospel and yet not live by it.

“But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?”
—Galatians 2:14

The gospel has always been about faith, whether one lived in Old Testament times or in the New Testament era.

“And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.”
—Galatians 3:8

After hearing the true word of the gospel and being saved through faith, the believer is sealed as one of Christ’s own by the Holy Spirit.

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,”
—Ephesians 1:13

The Gentiles become members of the body of Christ and heirs to the promises of God by the gospel.

“That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:”
—Ephesians 3:6

The gospel is part of the whole armor of God.

“And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;”
—Ephesians 6:16

Paul wanted strength to preach the gospel while in prison in Rome.

“And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,”
—Ephesians 6:19

Fellowship may be found in the gospel.

“For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;”
—Philippians 1:5

The Philippians shared the defense of the gospel with Paul even though he was in Rome and they were hundreds of miles away in Philippi.

“Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.”
—Philippians 1:7

Though to the casual observer, being in a Roman prison might appear to be a calamity, to Paul, it provided opportunities to share the gospel.

“But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;”
—Philippians 1:12

We see here the care the apostle takes to prevent their being offended at his sufferings. He was now a prisoner at Rome; this might be a stumbling-block to those who had received the gospel by his ministry. They might be tempted to think, If this doctrine were indeed of God, God would not suffer one who was so active and instrumental in preaching and propagating it to be thrown by as a despised broken vessel. They might be shy of owning this doctrine, lest they should be involved in the same trouble themselves. Now to take off the offence of the cross, he expounds this dark and hard chapter of his sufferings, and makes it very easy and intelligible, and reconcilable to the wisdom and goodness of God who employed him.I. He suffered by the sworn enemies of the gospel, who laid him in prison, and aimed at taking away his life; but they should not be stumbled at this, for good was brought out of it, and it tended to the furtherance of the gospel

(v. 12): The things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel. A strange chemistry of Providence this, to extract so great a good as the enlargement of the gospel out of so great an evil as the confinement of the apostle. “I suffer trouble as an evil-doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound, 2 Tim. 2:9 . They cannot imprison the word of God; that has its free course, though I am confined.’’ But how was this?1. It alarmed those who were without.
—Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete) Philippians 1

Paul was unashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

“But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.”
–Philippians 1:17

Some also of good will, and love: from sincere affection to the gospel, that the work might not stand while the workman was laid up.—Knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. They knew that he was appointed to support and propagate the gospel in the world, against all the violence and opposition of its enemies, and were afraid lest the gospel should suffer by his confinement. This made them the more bold to preach the word and supply his lack of service to the church.III. It is very affecting to see how easy he was in the midst of all:
—Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete) Philippians 1

Walk in the gospel.

“Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;”
—Philippians 1:27

Verse 27.  Only let your conversation. The word conversation we now apply almost exclusively to oral discourse, or to talking. But it was not formerly confined to that, and is never so used in the Scriptures. It means conduct in general–including, of course, our manner of speaking, but not limited to that–and should be so understood in every place where it occurs in the Bible. The original word here used politeuw-politeuo, means, properly, to administer the State; to live as a citizen; to conduct one’s self according to the laws and customs of a State. See Ac 23:1. Comp. examples in Wetstein. It would not be improperly rendered, “let your conduct, as a citizen, be as becomes the gospel;” and might without impropriety, though not exclusively, be referred to our deportment as members of a community, or citizens of a State. It undoubtedly implies that, as citizens, we should act, in all the duties which that relation involves–in maintaining the laws, in submission to authority, in the choice of rulers, etc., as well as in other relations –on the principles of the gospel; for the believer is bound to perform every duty on Christian principles. But the direction here should not be confined to that. It doubtless includes our conduct in all relations in life, and refers to our deportment in general; not merely as citizens of the State, but as members of the church, and in all other relations. In our manner of speech, our plans of living, our dealings with others, our conduct and walk in the church and out of it–all should be done as becomes the gospel. The direction, therefore, in this place, is to be understood of everything pertaining to conduct.

As it becometh the Gospel of Christ.

(1.) The rules of the gospel are to be applied to all our conduct–to our conversation, business transactions, modes of dress, style of living, entertainments, etc. There is nothing which we do, or say, or purpose, that is to be excepted from those rules.

(2.) There is a way of living which is appropriate to the gospel, or which is such as the gospel requires. There is something which the gospel would secure as its proper fruits in all our conduct, and by which our lives should be regulated. It would distinguish us from the gay, and from those who seek honour and wealth as their supreme object. If all Christians were under the influence of the gospel, there would be something in their dress, temper, conversation, and aims, which would distinguish them from others. The gospel is not a thing of naught; nor is it intended that it should exert no influence on its friends.

(3.) It is very important that Christians should frame their lives by the rules of the gospel, and, to this end, should study them, and know what they are. This is important,

(a.) because they are the best and wisest of all rules;

(b.) because it is only in this way that Christians can do good;

(c.) because they have solemnly covenanted with the Lord to take his laws as their guide;

(d.) because it is only in this way that they can enjoy religion; and

(e.) because it is only by this that they can have peace on a dying bed. If men live as “becometh the gospel,” they live well. Their lives are honest and honourable; they are men of truth and uprightness; they will have no sources of regret when they die, and they will not give occasion to their friends to hang their heads with shame in the remembrance of them. No man on a dying bed ever yet regretted that he had framed his life by the rules of the gospel, or felt that his conduct had been conformed too much to it.

That whether I come and see you. Alluding to the possibility that he might be released, and be permitted to visit them again.

Or else be absent. Either at Rome, still confined, or released, and permitted to go abroad. I may hear of your affairs, etc. I may hear always respecting you that you are united, and that you are vigorously striving to promote the interests of the gospel.
{a} “let your conversation” Eph 4:1; Php 3:20
{*} “conversation” “Conduct”
{b} “stand fast” Php 4:1
{a} “striving together” Jude 1:3
–Albert Barnes, Notes on the New Testament, Philippians Chapter 1, Verse 27

Timothy faithfully assisted Paul in preaching and living the gospel.

“But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.”
—Philippians 2:22

Women laboured with Paul to further the gospel of Christ.

“But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.”
—Philippians 4:3

The Philippians were unique in supporting Paul’s gospel work.

“Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.”
—Philippians 4:15

“If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;”
—Colossians 1:23

If ye continue in the faith
In the doctrine of faith which they had received and embraced; and in the grace of faith, and the exercise of it which was implanted in them; and in the profession of faith which they had made: not that the virtue and efficacy of Christ’s blood, sufferings, and death, and reconciliation of their persons to God thereby, depended upon their faith, and abiding in it; but that faith and continuance in it were necessary means of their presentation in unblemished holiness and righteousness; for if they had not faith, or did not abide in it or if the good work of grace was not wrought upon their souls, and that performed until the day of Christ, they could not be presented holy and blameless: this shows the necessity of the saints’ final perseverance in faith and holiness, and is mentioned with this view, to put them upon a concern about it, and to make use of all means, under divine grace, to enjoy it; and nothing could more strongly incline and move unto it, than the blessed effect of Christ’s death, reconciliation and the end of it, to present the reconciled ones blameless; in order to which it is necessary they should hold on and out to the end: hence the Ethiopic version reads the words, not as a condition, but as an exhortation enforced by what goes before; “therefore be ye established in the faith”: it follows,

grounded and settled;
not on the sandy foundation of man’s own righteousness, and peace made by his own performances; but upon the foundation and rock, Christ, against which the gates of hell cannot prevail; and so shall never finally and totally fall away, being rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith of him, in the doctrines of faith, respecting peace by his blood, justification by his righteousness, and life by his death; and so continue steadfast and immovable, always abounding in his work:

and [be] not moved away from the hope of the Gospel;
the hope of eternal life and happiness, which as set before us in the Gospel; which that gives a good and solid ground and foundation of, in the person, blood, and righteousness of Christ; and is the instrumental means, in the hand of the Spirit, of begetting to it, and of encouraging and increasing it: the law gives no hopes of eternal life to a poor sinner; it works wrath, and ministers death; there is nothing but a fearful looking for of judgment by it; but the Gospel encourages to hope in the Lord, from the consideration of rich mercy and plenteous redemption in him; and this hope of the Gospel is an anchor of the soul, sure and steadfast, and not to be let go; this confidence and rejoicing of the hope is to be kept firm unto the end:

which ye have heard;
that is, which Gospel they had heard from Epaphras their faithful minister, and that not only externally, but internally; they had heard it and believed it, and it had brought forth fruit in them; for it came to them not in word only, but in power; which is said in commendation of it, and to engage them to continue in it, and abide by it; as is also what follows:

[and] which was preached to every creature which is under heaven;
and therefore since it was the same which was everywhere preached, they might depend upon the truth of it, should have the greater value for it, and by no means relinquish it. This must be understood not of every individual creature, even human and rational, that was then, or had been in, the world; but that it had been, and was preached far and near, in all places all over the world, to the Gentiles as well as to the Jews; who are sometimes styled “every creature”, “the creature”, “the whole creation”, “all men” see ( Mark 16:15 ) ( Romans 8:19-22 ) ( Titus 2:11 ) ; and of this, the first preaching of the Gospel by Peter after our Lord’s resurrection, was an emblem and pledge, ( Acts 2:14-36 ) ; and some time after that, the sound of all the apostles went into all the earth, and their words to the end of the world:

whereof I Paul am made a minister;
by Jesus Christ, who appeared unto him, and called, qualified, and sent him forth as such; and this is mentioned to encourage the Colossians to abide by the truths of the Gospel, since what they had heard and received were what were everywhere preached by the faithful ministers of the word; and particularly by the apostle, who was ordained to be a teacher and preacher of it to the Gentiles. The Alexandrian copy reads, “a preacher and an apostle, and a minister”; see ( 1 Timothy 2:7 ) .
—John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible, Colossians Chapter 1 Verse 23

The gospel is not empty words which are spoken and heard. The gospel has the power of salvation.

“For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.”
—1 Thessalonians 1:5

Paul preached the gospel amidst much opposition.

“But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.”
—1 Thessalonians 2:2

God entrusted Paul to preach the gospel and Paul, realizing the great privilege he had been granted, pursued it diligently with truth–regardless of whether he was applauded or stoned.

“But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts”
—1 Thessalonians 2:4

“According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.”
—1 Timothy 1:11

Paul not only preached the gospel to the Thessalonians, he was willing to lay down his life for them.

“So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.”
—1 Thessalonians 2:8

Paul did not make merchandise of the gospel, but supported himself while doing it.

“For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.”
—1 Thessalonians 2:9

Timothy labored alongside Paul in the work of furthering the gospel.

“And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:”
—1 Thessalonians 3:2

There will be a day of reckoning for those who disobey the gospel.

“In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: ”
—2 Thessalonians 1:8

The gospel is the means of salvation; of partaking of the glory that is Jesus Christ, our Savior.

“Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
—2 Thessalonians 2:14

When believers suffer affliction for the gospel’s sake, God will strengthen them in their time of trial.

“Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;”
—2 Timothy 1:8

Eternal life is found through the gospel of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

“But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:”
—2 Timothy 1:10

Part of the gospel message is that God raised Jesus Christ from the dead.

“Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:”
—2 Timothy 2:8

Paul suffered imprisonment for the sake of the gospel.

“Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:”
—Philemon 1:13

Without faith, the gospel message is unprofitable.

“For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.”
—Hebrews 4:2

Man enters into the promise of rest by belief in the gospel.

“Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:” {it was: or, the gospel was}
—Hebrews 4:6

Peter preaching the Gospel in the Catacombs (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The angels are very interested in the gospel.

“Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.”
—1 Peter 1:12

The gospel is preached to the spiritually dead; all who hear it will one day be judged by how they respond to it.

“For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.”
—1 Peter 4:6

All must be judged, both those in the house of God and those who do not obey the gospel.

“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?”
—1 Peter 4:17

The gospel is eternal.

“But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.”
—1 Peter 1:25

“And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,”
—Revelation 14:6

Want to be set free?

Not saved? Not sure?

The gospel of Christ has the power to save you!

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
—Romans 1:16

THE GOSPEL

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”
–1 Corinthians 15:1-4 – (h/t:B)

ALSO – Quotes: ETPR Quote Collections

Sources:

* Bible Study Tools: Commentaries

* The New Testament Gospel without Paul

* Barnes’ New Testament Notes

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by Jeremiah J. Jameson
–with Mondo Frazier

© Jeremiah J. Jameson and End Times Prophecy Report, 2012-13. © Mondo Frazier, DBKP and End Times Prophecy Report, 2007-13. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jeremiah J. Jameson and End Times Prophecy Report with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.