I. Terminology

The Greek noun εὐαγγέλιον/euangélion (usually translated “gospel”) first appears in Homer, where it means “a messenger's pay”; later it sometimes means “message.” The verb εὐαγγελίζεσθαι/euangelízesthai (since Aristophanes) refers to the bringing of good news, for example, reports of victory. The idiom εὐαγγέλια θύειν / euangelia thýein means “offer thankofferings for good news.” Both the noun and the verb can also refer to b…