The Greek word translated “gospel” or “good news” is evangelion. It can range in meaning from general good news or report (as in, “we heard good news today from the doctor”) to an official political proclamation about a ruler or king. In this latter sense, there is an interesting inscription dating from around 9 BC regarding Caesar Augustus. It contains references to Augustus (whose very name means “revered one” and who was also called divi fili, “Divine Son” or “Son of God”) as the savior and bringer of peace. The inscription says that the birth of Augustus was “the beginning [arxen] of the good news [evangelion] for the world”. This is very similar to the incipit of Mark’s gospel: “The beginning [arxe] of the good news [evangelion] of Jesus the Anointed, Son of God…”