Eugene Peterson

“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ…” (Mark 1:1). The important word here is gospel. It is an old word, both in the Jewish and pagan worlds. It meant the publication of good news. But it was not just any good news that might be found in the headlines of a newspaper. It was specifically in regard to the kingdom, to some aspect of the rule of the king. It was the glad news to the populace, resulting from some statement or action of their king. This word, used before anything is said at all, defines the contents of Mark’s book as primarily information (that can anticipate a glad reception) about the reign of Jesus Christ.