The Gospel in the Gospels

The Gospel in the Gospels
Here we will discuss the historical context of the material in the gospels and its relevance towards the question of the proclamation and expected response in the early church. Before getting into the details of how the gospels apply to this question, there are a few subtle but important topics that need to be considered.

Proclamation and Response in the Gospels
Proclamation and response are an important topic in the gospels, though they are addressed in a variety of different ways. The topics of proclamation and response in the context of conversion are discussed together with varying metaphors or other figures of speech.

Preaching, hearing and believing/obeying. Belief in the Source and message opens the door to faithful responses.
Being sought-after or called and following. Jesus has come to seek the lost and call people to him.
Darkness and light; revealing. Out of the darkness and into the light, all things become apparent.
Seeking and entering the kingdom. Some people are actively seeking to enter the kingdom.
New birth, repentance and baptism. Going from the old to the new.
Sowing and reaping. Agricultural examples illustrate the ministry of the word.
Given by the Father. God the Father plays an important role in the process.

See the other parts of this study: Gospel Proclamations and Responses in the Apostolic Church