Gospel, transmission of

The gospel has been passed down through the NT witness to Jesus Christ, through the proclamation of the good news about Jesus Christ, and through the providential guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The NT witness to Jesus Christ

The events of Jesus Christ's life were carefully recorded

Luke 1:1–4 See also John 21:24; Acts 1:1–2

Many have undertaken to compose an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by the initial eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

The apostles bore witness to the gospel

1 Corinthians 15:3–8; 2 Peter 1:16; 1 John 1:1–4 See also Luke 24:45–48; John 15:27; Acts 1:8, Acts 1:21–22, Acts 2:32, Acts 4:1–20, Acts 5:32, Acts 13:30–31; Hebrews 2:3–4; 1 Peter 5:1; 1 John 4:14

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas and then to the Twelve. After that, He appeared to more than five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles. And last of all He appeared to me also, as to one of untimely birth.

For we did not follow cleverly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our own eyes, which we have gazed upon and touched with our own hands — this is the Word of life. And this is the life that was revealed; we have seen it and testified to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And this fellowship of ours is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. We write these things so that our joy may be complete.

The proclamation of the gospel

Acts 5:42; Romans 10:14–15; 1 Corinthians 15:1–2; Ephesians 3:8–9 See also Acts 8:12; 1 Corinthians 1:21; Galatians 1:23; 2 Timothy 4:2; Hebrews 13:7

Every day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, and in which you stand firm. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to illuminate for everyone the stewardship of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.

The guidance of the Holy Spirit in the transmission of the gospel

John 14:26, John 15:26 See also John 16:12–15; Acts 5:32; Hebrews 2:3–4; 1 John 5:6

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.

When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father — the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father — He will testify about Me.