What do you mean by the Good News?

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

Please click on the image below to access the lesson and video. 

Part 1 - Introduction
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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.
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Part 2 - Hebrew/Greek Background to the Word "Good News"

In today's lesson, we delve into 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 delve 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. 
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For Class Handout, click here

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

In today's lesson, we will delve into 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."



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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 or temples within his realm.

​In 1998, the exposure of ancient ruins due to a brushfire led to the discovery of the third among these temples in the vicinity of Caesarea Philippi.


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

In this lesson, we delve 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

References for Study: 

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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