For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

— Romans 1:16

He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed.

— 1 Peter 2:24

The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree.

— Acts 5:30

28 And though they found in Him no guilt worthy of death, they asked Pilate to have Him executed.

29 When they had carried out all that was written about Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb.

30 But God raised Him from the dead,

31 and for many days He appeared to those who had come up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now His witnesses to the people.

32 And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers

— Acts 13:28-32

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and love from Christ to you.

What is the gospel? The word gospel means good news. Paul in Romans 1:16 says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek (the Gentiles).” The gospel is the good news about the work God did for our salvation through Jesus Christ 2000 years ago. It is a message that must be “believed”. The four gospels give extensive explanation of that world changing event. This great event was on a person—Jesus Christ and His death on the cross for saving the world and God raised Him from death to justify those believing in Jesus Christ.

The gospel started with Christ Himself who bore our sins in His body on the cross. Peter testified, “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross.” Paul said, “And though they found no ground for putting Him to death, they asked Pilate that He be executed. … they took Him down from the cross and laid Him in a tomb.” Paul continued, “ But God raised Him from the dead, and for many days He appeared to … the very ones who are now His witnesses to the people. And we preach to you the good news of the promise made to the father.”