Protoevangelium

The Protoevangelium, often referred to as the "first gospel," is a term used in Christian theology to describe the first mention of the gospel, or good news, of salvation in the Bible. The phrase originates from the Latin *proto-* ("first") and *evangelium* ("gospel"), and it is most commonly associated with Genesis 3:15, a passage in the Book of Genesis in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament of the Christian Bible.

In Genesis 3:15, after Adam and Eve have disobeyed God by eating the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, God pronounces judgment on the serpent, who represents Satan. The passage reads: "And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." This verse is interpreted by many Christian traditions as a prophecy of the conflict between Satan and the Messiah, with the "seed of the woman" symbolizing the future Savior who will ultimately defeat Satan.

The Protoevangelium is significant in Christian eschatology, as it is seen as the first hint of the coming redemption through Jesus Christ. It foreshadows the victory of Christ over sin and evil, with the "bruising of the serpent’s head" representing Satan’s ultimate defeat, while the "bruising of the heel" symbolizes the suffering and death of Christ. This interpretation is foundational in Christian theology, particularly in the understanding of the Incarnation, Atonement, and the final triumph of good over evil.

While the Protoevangelium is not explicitly detailed in the text, its symbolic language has been a subject of theological reflection for centuries, shaping early Christian interpretations of salvation history. It remains a key reference point in discussions about the nature of Christ’s mission and the broader narrative of redemption in the Bible.