Frequently asked Question 22?

A Roman Gospel?

Neal - “I don't remember whether I heard it in high school or college but the concept blazed a trail across my mind: The word ‘gospel' comes from the Latin word that applied to the situation when the Roman army would conquer a town. The gospel [the good news] was announced to the populace that they were now Roman citizens with all the rights and privileges thereof. The only exceptions would be those who chose otherwise, in which case they thereby also chose death at sword-point. Immediately, on the spot.

Have you ever heard of this before? Do you think it's true? Do you think it an apt analogy to the Gospel as we know the word?”

      My response - I have not heard of this. It would be interesting to know if it is true. Perhaps some readers can enlighten us.

[NOTE: Reader responses indicate that such a use of the word "gospel" is not true to historical fact.]

      There may be some superficial analogy between the gospel of grace in Christ Jesus and the "Roman gospel" alluded to above.  However the essential differences between these two are so deep and myterious that it would be of little use to make such an analogy.

Contact Neal Punt at:    whenindoubt3@charter.net