Evangelium

Evangelium is a term derived from the Latin word for gospel or good news. In Christian usage, it refers to the message about Jesus Christ and, more specifically, to the four canonical gospels traditionally attributed to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The word is used in Latin and in many other languages—such as German Evangelium and Polish Ewangelia—to denote the Gospel in both theological and liturgical contexts.

Historically, evangelium can denote any gospel text or narrative about Jesus. In early Christian literature, the term was used for individual gospel writings and for collections that circulated before the New Testament canon was fixed. The label is also applied, in some traditions, to non-canonical gospel narratives, collectively known as apocryphal or extracanonical gospels, though reception varies by denomination.

Liturgical usage centers on the Evangelium as the Gospel reading proclaimed during Mass or the Divine Liturgy. In many rites it is read by a priest or deacon from the gospel book, often after the readings and the Homily, and is sometimes accompanied by a chant or proclamation. The proclamation is treated as a moment of reflection on Jesus’ life and teaching.

Contemporary usage includes titles and publications that employ Evangelium in reference to the Gospel message. A well-known instance is Evangelium Vitae, The Gospel of Life, Pope John Paul II’s 1995 encyclical addressing the sanctity of life. More broadly, scholars and theologians use the term to discuss the fourfold gospel tradition and its various interpretations.