Paul's Gospel

What does Paul mean by "his Gospel." Look at Galatians 1. It seems as if there are different Gospels, and only Paul's is right and acceptable. So what is Paul's Gospel? Without being exhaustive, it seems the simplest way to describe Paul's Gospel is by using his most direct statements about it.

1 Corinthians 15 tells us that Paul's Gospel includes some very important historical events: Christ died (in line with the OT understanding of atonement/propitiation); he was buried; he was raised on the 3rd day; he appeared to many. Furthermore, Paul cannot imagine the Gospel without hope in a future resurrection for all in Christ as Jesus subjects even death to himself. Then, he will submit to God, who will be glorified as "all in all." Paul reiterates the historicity of the Gospel in 2 Tim 2:8, where he describes his own Gospel as 1) Jesus' resurrection from death and 2) his messianic heritage as a descendant of David. So, the Gospel is rooted in history.

In Rom 1:16, Paul calls the Gospel the power of God into (resulting in) salvation to all who believe. It presumes the reality of a future judgment at which Christians will be saved, according to Rom 2:16. Galatians is almost certainly one big explanation of the Gospel in light of Paul's opponents. If I may summarize Galatians, the Gospel is the work of Christ within a life, transforming it from the inside out. The Gospel is bold, mysterious, true, and inextricably intertwined with grace. The Spirit accompanies the proclamation of the Gospel and instigates transformation. Paul assumes the Gospel necessarily produces virtuous behavior. (Again, remember I'm just focusing on Paul's most simple statements about the Gospel, like "The Gospel is…")

In conclusion, Paul's Gospel is rooted in the historical Jesus, who died a sacrificial death as the Jewish messiah for the sin of mankind, resulting in both present and future salvation. The Father raised Jesus to life, guaranteeing a future resurrection and eschatological (ie, at the end times) salvation for all who believe. The Spirit accompanies belief in the Gospel, resulting in transformed, virtuous lives. For Paul, all these components line up with the work of God in the OT. Furthermore, he does not feel the need to directly command what his life proves to be true: the Gospel message must be proclaimed in word and deed.

Keep in mind, this is how Paul presents the Gospel. He did not intend to be exhaustive in his presentation. Thus, when you read the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, you'll see more of a relationship between the Gospel and healing, ministering to the poor, and performing miracles. In Acts, you'll see evangelism and church life as it relates to the Gospel. Paul probably assumed many of these elements. Or, maybe he taught them so well that he did not feel the need to write about them. Whatever the case, this is an examination of Paul's most direct descriptions of the Gospel.

-Matt