Gospel 30

Tuesday November 11, 2008

Categories: Gospel

What does the word "gospel" mean in the New Testament? My experience with good Christian folks reveals they think of the gospel in very simplistic terms. Simple is not bad. My experience also shows that many don't think of the...

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posted by Scot McKnight @12:10am Permalink email icon

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Kyle

November 11, 2008 4:29 AM

Scot,
Do you know why the translation of plyrophoria in verse 5 is translated as "conviction?" It looks like it's elsewhere often translated as "full assurance," and with the emphatic polly as strengthening the meaning to "certainty." So why does the NRSV, ESV, NET, etc. use "strong conviction" in this passage?

Scot McKnight

November 11, 2008 7:59 AM

Kyle,
Not having been there when those translations made those decisions, I would say it may well have to do with the "Spirit" shaped context while "certainty" tends to be more Mind shaped. Pler- gives the sense of fullness (not polloi -- many). The point is a fullness of conviction.

Diane

November 11, 2008 10:25 AM

I'm struck by Paul's comment that, as you point out, the gospel came not only with words but with the power of the Holy Spirit--that implies there is mystery surrounding the gospel experience, that it is in-the-moment and experiential as well as intellectual. The gospel is more than, as we often define it, the words of the Bible. It is the combination of scriptural words and living, holy spirit that leads to changes in how we live.

RJS

November 11, 2008 9:41 PM

Does the gospel come with the Holy Spirit in power yet today? If so how is it recognized?

Scot McKnight

November 11, 2008 9:48 PM

RJS,

Yes it does ... but I'm convinced far too many "gospel" with no attention whatsoever to the need for the unleashing of the Spirit.

Mick

November 12, 2008 12:02 AM

Verse 5 is a very powerful verse that reminds us how much we need the Spirit to reveal the Gospel to us and to the world. How easy it is to either forget this dependency or "tip our hat" to him.

F. Ellsworth Lockwood

November 12, 2008 5:03 AM

Yep, the gospel is a mystical experience. The letter kills but the spirit gives life.

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Scot McKnight is a widely-recognized authority on the New Testament, early Christianity, and the historical Jesus. He is the Karl A. Olsson Professor in Religious Studies at North Park University (Chicago, Illinois). A popular and witty speaker, Dr. McKnight has given interviews on radios across the nation, has appeared on television, and is regularly asked to speak in local churches and educational events. Dr. McKnight obtained his Ph.D. at the University of Nottingham (1986). Click to continue reading Scot McKnight's Bio...

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