Definition

1. Noun:
   • The four Gospels of the New Testament: The term "evangel" refers specifically to the four books—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—that narrate the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
   • The message or doctrine of the Christian gospel: In a broader, often archaic sense, "evangel" can mean the good news or teachings of Christianity as a whole.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The early church fathers wrote extensive commentaries on the evangel.
  • His sermon focused on the core message of the evangel.
  • (Archaic) He was a passionate preacher of the evangel.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• The word "evangel" is derived from the Greek , meaning "good news." It is a formal and somewhat archaic term in modern English.
• It is primarily used in theological, historical, or literary contexts. In everyday language, the words "Gospel" or "gospel" are far more common.
• When capitalized ("Evangel"), it typically refers directly to the four biblical books. In lowercase ("evangel"), it can refer more generally to the Christian message.

Variants and Related Words

• Evangelist (n): A writer of one of the four Gospels (e.g., Matthew the Evangelist) or a person who preaches the Christian gospel.
• Evangelical (adj): Pertaining to the Christian gospel or to a tradition emphasizing biblical authority and personal conversion. (Note: This is a distinct, related term with specific theological connotations.)
• Evangelize (v): To preach or convert someone to Christianity.

Synonyms

• Gospel (the most direct and common synonym)
• Good news (a translation of the original Greek meaning)

Notes on Meaning

• The primary and most precise meaning of "evangel" is the four canonical Gospels of the New Testament.
• Its secondary, more general meaning as "the Christian gospel message" is now rare and considered archaic. This usage has been almost entirely supplanted by the word "gospel."

Noun

1. the four books in the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) that tell the story of Christ's life and teachings