What Is the Gospel (İncil)?
The word "Gospel" (İncil in Turkish) can be confusing because it is used in more than one sense. Sometimes it means the four books that recount the life of Jesus Christ, sometimes the whole New Testament, and in everyday speech occasionally the entire Bible. This page explains, neutrally, what the word means, which books it covers and where it sits within the Bible; afterward you can begin reading the relevant books here for free.
What does the word "Gospel" mean?
The word comes from the Greek "euangelion" (good news, glad tidings); the Turkish form entered the language through Arabic. Literally it means "good news." In the Christian tradition this good news concerns the life, teaching, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In its narrowest sense, then, "Gospel" is the shared name of the texts that proclaim this news.
The four Gospels and the New Testament
The Bible contains four separate books that recount the life of Jesus: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Together these are called "the four Gospels," and they are the first four books of the New Testament. The New Testament, however, is not limited to these four; together with the Acts of the Apostles (the story of the early church), the letters of the apostles and the book of Revelation, it comprises 27 books in all. In everyday speech "the Gospel" often stands for this whole New Testament as well.
Gospel versus Bible
Although often used interchangeably, "Gospel" and "Bible" are technically different. The Bible is the name of the whole 66-book collection, covering the Old Testament (39 books) and the New Testament (27 books). The Gospel refers to the New Testament portion of this whole, and in its narrowest sense to the four books recounting Jesus' life. So every Gospel is part of the Bible, but the Bible is not made up of the Gospel alone.
What do the Gospels contain?
The four Gospels recount, beginning with the birth of Jesus Christ, his teaching, his deeds, his relationships with those around him, his death and his resurrection. Each conveys the same events from a distinct perspective and emphasis, so reading all four together yields a fuller picture. The parables of Jesus, his counsel and his examples of prayer are also found in these books.
How can I read the Gospels on this site?
On this site you can read the four Gospels and the whole New Testament, chapter by chapter, free and ad-free. First-time readers are often encouraged to start with the Gospel of John, which focuses on who Jesus is. Choose a Gospel from the index and browse its chapters, or search for a verse by a word on the search page.
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Guides
- What Is the Gospel (İncil)?
- What Are the Torah, Psalms (Zebur) and Gospel?
- The Four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
- Who Wrote the Bible? When Was It Written?
- How Many Books Are There in the Bible?
- Chapters and Verses: How to Read a Reference Like "John 3:16"
- Who Is Jesus Christ?
- What Is the Zebur (Book of Psalms)?
- What Is Baptism?
- How Did the Bible Reach Us? (Manuscripts and Translation)
- What Is Prayer and How Do You Pray?
- What Are the Ten Commandments?
- What Are the Parables of Jesus?
- What Are the Old and New Testaments?
- What Is Christmas? When and Where Was Jesus Born?
- What Are Easter and the Resurrection?
- Who or What Is the Holy Spirit?
- What Is a Church (Kilise)?
- What Is Christianity?
- What Is Sin (Günah)?
- What Are Angels?
- What Are Heaven and Hell?
- What Is a Prophet?
- What Is the Trinity?
- Satan and Evil According to the Bible
- How Do You Memorize Bible Verses?
- Kadıköy Kilise Translation (KKR): Sources and Revision Notes
What does "Gospel" (İncil) mean?
"Gospel" comes from the Greek "euangelion," meaning "good news." In the Christian tradition it refers to the good news proclaimed about the life and teaching of Jesus Christ.
How many Gospels are there?
In the narrowest sense there are four Gospels — Matthew, Mark, Luke and John — recounting the life of Jesus. In a broader sense "the Gospel" can also stand for the whole New Testament of 27 books.
Are the Gospel and the Bible the same thing?
No. The Bible is the whole 66-book collection covering the Old and New Testament. The Gospel refers to the New Testament portion of this whole — especially the four books recounting Jesus' life.
Which are the four Gospels?
The four Gospels are Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, and they form the first four books of the New Testament.
Can I read the Gospels online for free?
Yes. On this site you can read the four Gospels and the whole New Testament chapter by chapter, free and ad-free. First-time readers are encouraged to begin with the Gospel of John.