What is the Good News?

Our Bible 101 series explores the fundamental concepts of the Bible, which encompass redemption, covenant, the good news (Gospel), salvation, and numerous others.

In this series, I'm excited to embark on this enlightening journey with you to unravel the profound significance of the phrase "good news" in the context of first-century Christianity.

In the world of Biblical scholarship, the term "good news" holds a crucial place. But here's the catch: there's often a wide gap between how scholars define this concept and how it's discussed within the walls of churches.

At the heart of this good news lies the kingdom of God. In the New Testament, particularly in the ministry of Jesus, we witness the return of God's reign to Jerusalem and Israel. As the esteemed New Testament scholar N.T. Wright aptly says, "This is what it looks like when God becomes King." We also know from the Old Testament prophets that this good news would eventually extend to the world as all nations would make God their king.

Within the kingdom of God, Jesus is the "one like a Son of Man' (Daniel 7:13-14), a heavenly figure who shares the throne with God and holds authority for all eternity.

However, in the first century, the term "Good News" also bore another weighty connotation, one that resonated with the reign of Caesar Augustus. An inscription in the ancient city of Priene boldly declared that the birth of Caesar Augustus was good news for the entire world. The New Testament writers juxtaposed the kingdom of Rome, with Caesar Augustus as its ruler, against the kingdom of God, with Jesus as its Lord.

Join us in this expedition as we dive deeper into the essence of the "good news" and its profound implications for our lives as kingdom people. Together, we'll bridge the gap between scholarship and faith, shedding light on a concept central to understanding the New Testament and growing in our faith journey.

Stay tuned as we explore the historical, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of the "good news." Participating in this series will deepen your understanding of scripture and inspire you to live as faithful followers of Jesus in His kingdom. We look forward to sharing this transformative experience with you.

Part 1 - Introduction
​

What did the term "Good News" signify in the context of first-century Judaism and the Roman Empire?

Unfortunately, the conception of the term "Good News" differs between scholars and laypeople, but in this instance, the perspective of scholars holds true.

The "Good News" pertains to the Kingdom of God, where Jesus reigns as Lord.

Join us in exploring this pivotal subject and gaining a profound understanding of how it can impact our relationship with God, with Jesus as our King.
For Class Handout,  click here

Part 2 - Hebrew/Greek Background to the Word "Good News"

In today's lesson, we explore the origins of the Hebrew and Greek words associated with the term "Good News."

Regardless of whether you identify as a Jew, Roman, or Greek, the concept of the "Good News" holds great significance and bears religious implications.

Additionally, we will investigate the meaning of a Targum and its role in shedding light on first-century Jewish perspectives regarding Isaiah 52:7 and the imminent kingdom of God.


For Class Handout, click here

Part 3 The Original "Good News" Proclamation?

Before anything was documented in writing, how did the disciples and the early church communicate the message of the "Good News"?

In today's lesson, we will dive into the book of Acts and examine what biblical scholars consider to be the initial proclamation of the "Good News" concerning God's kingdom reign. 

We examine Peter's speech in Acts 10:34-43 to help us comprehend the original proclamation of the "Good News" in the Greco-Roman world. 
​
For Class Handout, click here

Shop Amazon to Support Fig Tree Ministries

On February 20, 2023, Amazon discontinued its Smile.Amazon.com program, which supported qualifying non-profits through the Amazon Foundation. This program was a popular way for many Fig Tree donors to contribute to our ministry while regularly shopping on Amazon.

We are excited to announce that we are now participating in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. This program offers a way for Fig Tree Ministries to earn commissions by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This means you can help our ministry again while shopping on Amazon!

Instructions:
  • Each time you shop, please use the unique Fig Tree Portal link below.
  • We have the potential to earn a commission on qualifying purchases.
  • Note: you will need to click our portal link each time you shop.

Your support is greatly appreciated and helps us continue our mission!

Part 4 - The "Good News" of
​Caesar Augustus?

In today's lesson, we will explore the Roman Imperial Cult and the officially sanctioned worship of Caesar Augustus.

 Come and join us on a journey to ancient Priene, where we will investigate an inscription dating back to 9 BC.

This inscription portrays Augustus as the "savior" and "god," while also depicting his birth as the "good news for the world."



​

​
For Class Handout, click here

Part 5 - The Caesar Cult in 
​the Land of Israel!

In the first century, the Imperial Cult had extended its presence even into the land of Israel.

King Herod, aiming to honor the Caesar who bestowed upon him his power, constructed three shrines within his realm.

​In 1998, a brushfire led to the exposure of ancient ruins near the village of Omrit.

Scholars believe these ruins are the third shrine to Caesar Augustus and may give us insight to Peter's word to Jesus while in the "vicinity of Caesarea Philippi.

​
For Class Handout, click here

Part 6 - What is an Inclusio?
Acts and the Kingdom of God.

Luke, the author of the book of Acts, employs a sophisticated literary technique known as Inclusio to illuminate his audience's grasp of his narrative.

Inclusio functions akin to bookends, where the author strategically positions a central concept at the outset and conclusion of a composition, signifying that everything enclosed within serves to reinforce this central idea.

​Within the book of Acts, this Inclusio masterfully directs our attention to the Kingdom of God as the overarching theme of Luke's writing.
No Class Handout for this Lesson

Part 7: Mystical Meaning of the Hebrew Word for "Good News"

In this lesson, we dive into the profound essence of a Hebrew word translated as “to bear” or “to bring Good News.”

​Hebrew, as the foundational language of the Bible and the Israelites, is both dynamic and richly mystical. Those acquainted with Western traditions might find themselves surprised by the depths the Hebrew letters and words can reach.

The Rabbis believed that every aspect of the Hebrew Alphabet, along with the words that emerged from it, had a divine origin. Each subtlety in a word, whether in its phonetic similarity to another or its derivation from a root verb, carries profound significance.

Such is the case with the Hebrew verb for “to bring the Good News” and the nouns associated with it. Given that all Hebrew nouns stem from a root verb, it's intriguing to see how at deeper, sometimes mysterious levels, the meanings of two English words, which may appear unrelated, are profoundly interconnected.
Class Handout: Click Here

Word Study: Hebrew Word for
​"Good News"

To download a PDF of the Hebrew Word for "Good News" word study, click here. 

Part 8: Cosmic Cycles & the Christ 
​The Regeneration of the Soul

Today's lesson explores the relationship between Jesus, the cosmos, and the Myth of the Eternal Return.

Ancient religions often perceived the cosmos as an endless cycle.

They believed that, periodically, everything must revert to its original chaotic state from the dawn of time, only to be reborn or regenerated.

Regrettably, the ancient mind was ensnared by this ceaseless loop. Enter the Old Testament, and subsequently, Jesus and the New Testament.

Throughout the Scriptures, God beckons humanity to break free from this fatalistic cycle and advance towards a brighter future.

Within Christianity, the idea of cosmic regeneration shifts focus to the spiritual rebirth of the individual. With this rebirth, an unprecedented freedom emerges.
Class Handout: Click Here

Part 9: Entering the Kingdom of God

Entering the Kingdom of God involves a dynamic, ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ, characterized by the consistent acknowledgment of His lordship over our lives.

This commitment requires continual repentance to align ourselves with the values and teachings of His kingdom.

In doing so, we entrust our past to Jesus, inviting His judgment and grace to free us from the burdens that inhibit the fullness of life.

​By surrendering our future anxieties and fears to God, we open ourselves to the peace and assurance that only He can provide.
Lesson Handout: Click Here

References for Study: 

(We participate as an Amazon Associate and may earn from a qualified purchase)
Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels
Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels
Dictionary of Paul and His Letters
Dictionary of Paul and His Letters
Dictionary of the OT: Wisdom, Poetry & Writings
Dictionary of the OT: Wisdom, Poetry & Writings