Kerygma is a Greek term that refers to the proclamation or preaching of the Christian gospel. It is derived from the Greek word kēryssō, meaning “to proclaim” or “to preach.” In the New Testament, kerygma specifically refers to the core message of the Christian faith, centered on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This proclamation is foundational to the mission of the Church and has been a central element of Christian witness since the time of the apostles.
Biblical Foundations
The New Testament Kerygma
The concept of kerygma is deeply rooted in the New Testament, where it is used to describe the message that the apostles and early Christians proclaimed to both Jews and Gentiles. This message is characterized by its focus on the person and work of Jesus Christ, and it is often summarized in key passages of Scripture.
The Apostolic Proclamation
One of the earliest examples of kerygma in the New Testament is found in the Book of Acts, particularly in Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost. In Acts 2:22-24, Peter proclaims:
| “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.”
| —Acts 2:22-24 (NIV)
This passage encapsulates the essential elements of the kerygma: the identity of Jesus as the Messiah, His crucifixion, and His resurrection. Peter’s sermon goes on to call for repentance and baptism, emphasizing the response that this proclamation demands.
Paul’s Kerygma
The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of kerygma in his letters, particularly in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4:
| “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”
| —1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (NIV)
Here, Paul summarizes the core message of the gospel, focusing on the death and resurrection of Christ as the foundation of Christian faith. This proclamation is central to Paul’s ministry, as he consistently emphasizes the importance of preaching the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles.
Key Elements of the Kerygma
The New Testament kerygma typically includes several key elements:
- The Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecies: The kerygma often begins with an appeal to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, demonstrating that Jesus is the promised Messiah. For example, in Peter’s sermon in Acts 2, he quotes from the prophet Joel and the Psalms to show that Jesus’ life and resurrection fulfill the Scriptures (Acts 2:16-21, 25-28).
- The Identity of Jesus: The kerygma proclaims Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God. This is central to the apostolic preaching, as seen in Peter’s declaration in Acts 2:36: “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”
- The Death of Jesus: The kerygma emphasizes the crucifixion of Jesus as a sacrifice for sins. This aspect of the message is crucial, as it highlights the redemptive purpose of Jesus’ death. Paul, in particular, stresses this point in passages like 1 Corinthians 1:23, where he speaks of “preaching Christ crucified.”
- The Resurrection of Jesus: The resurrection is a cornerstone of the kerygma, as it demonstrates Jesus’ victory over death and His divine authority. The resurrection is consistently presented as proof that Jesus is the Son of God and that His promises of eternal life are trustworthy (Romans 1:4).
- The Call to Repentance and Faith: The kerygma always includes a call to respond to the gospel through repentance, faith, and baptism. This is evident in Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, where he concludes by urging the crowd to “repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38).
- The Promise of the Holy Spirit: The kerygma often includes the promise of the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live out their faith and participate in the mission of the Church. This is seen in Acts 2:38-39, where Peter assures the repentant that they will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Historical Development
The Early Church
In the early Church, the kerygma was the primary message proclaimed by the apostles and their successors as they spread the Christian faith throughout the Roman Empire. The apostolic kerygma was transmitted orally before being committed to writing in the New Testament. The early Church Fathers continued this tradition, emphasizing the centrality of the kerygma in their teaching and preaching.
One of the earliest summaries of the Christian kerygma outside the New Testament is found in the Didache, an early Christian manual of instruction. The Didache emphasizes the basics of Christian belief, including the teachings of Jesus, the importance of baptism, and the call to live a life of righteousness in response to the gospel.
The Patristic Era
During the patristic era, Church Fathers such as Irenaeus, Tertullian, and Augustine emphasized the kerygma as the foundation of Christian faith and doctrine. Irenaeus, in particular, used the kerygma to combat heresies such as Gnosticism, arguing that the true gospel, as handed down from the apostles, was the standard by which all teachings should be judged.
Augustine, while known for his theological writings, also focused on the kerygma in his preaching. His sermons often returned to the core message of the gospel, emphasizing the grace of God in Christ and the call to conversion.
The Medieval Church
In the medieval Church, the kerygma continued to be a central element of Christian preaching, though it was often elaborated upon with theological and doctrinal teachings. The focus on the kerygma was maintained through the liturgy, particularly in the celebration of the Eucharist, which was seen as a re-presentation of the paschal mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection.
Medieval theologians like Thomas Aquinas also engaged with the kerygma, integrating it into their theological systems. Aquinas, for example, emphasized the centrality of the Incarnation and the atoning work of Christ, which are key components of the kerygma.
The Reformation
The Protestant Reformation brought a renewed focus on the kerygma as the heart of Christian preaching. Reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin emphasized the proclamation of the gospel as the primary duty of the Church. Luther, in particular, centered his preaching on the doctrine of justification by faith alone, which he saw as the essence of the gospel message.
Calvin also emphasized the kerygma in his sermons and writings, particularly in his commentary on the New Testament. He saw the proclamation of Christ’s death and resurrection as central to the Church’s mission and the believer’s faith.
Modern Christianity
In modern Christianity, the concept of kerygma remains crucial, particularly in the context of evangelism and mission. The 20th century saw a revival of interest in the kerygma, especially within the context of the ecumenical movement. Theologians such as Karl Barth and Rudolf Bultmann emphasized the importance of returning to the core message of the gospel, particularly in a world that was increasingly secular and skeptical of traditional religious authority.
In contemporary Christian practice, the kerygma is often emphasized in evangelical preaching, missionary work, and church planting efforts. The focus is on proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ in a way that is accessible and relevant to people today, while remaining faithful to the biblical message.
Theological Implications
The Centrality of Christ
The kerygma emphasizes the centrality of Jesus Christ in the Christian faith. It is through Christ that God’s plan of salvation is revealed and accomplished. This focus on Christ as the center of the gospel message is crucial for understanding the nature of Christian preaching and teaching.
In John 14:6, Jesus declares:
| “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
| —John 14:6 (NIV)
This statement underscores the centrality of Christ in the kerygma. The Christian message is fundamentally about who Jesus is and what He has done for humanity.
The Power of the Gospel
The kerygma is also a reminder of the power of the gospel to transform lives. The proclamation of the gospel is not just an announcement of historical events; it is a declaration of God’s power to save and to bring about new life in Christ.
In Romans 1:16, Paul writes:
| “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”
| —Romans 1:16 (NIV)
This verse highlights the dynamic nature of the kerygma, which is not just a message to be heard, but a power that works in the hearts of those who believe.
The Call to Response
The kerygma always includes a call to response. The proclamation of the gospel demands a decision: to repent, believe, and follow Jesus Christ. This response is not merely intellectual assent but involves a total commitment of one’s life to Christ.
In Mark 1:15, Jesus begins His public ministry with the proclamation:
| “The time has come, he said. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
| —Mark 1:15 (NIV)
This call to repentance and faith is at the heart of the kerygma, emphasizing that the gospel is not just information but a call to transformation.
Relevance for Today’s Christian
The concept of kerygma is as relevant today as it was in the early Church. In a world where people are searching for meaning and truth, the proclamation of the gospel offers a message of hope and salvation. Christians are called to continue the apostolic mission of proclaiming the kerygma to all nations, as Jesus commanded in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).
For individual believers, understanding the kerygma is essential for deepening one’s faith and for sharing that faith with others. The kerygma provides the foundation for Christian witness, reminding believers that at the heart of their faith is the good news of Jesus Christ.
In the context of worship, the kerygma is also central. The celebration of the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, is a re-presentation of the paschal mystery that is at the core of the kerygma. As Christians gather to worship, they are reminded of the death and resurrection of Christ, which are proclaimed in the liturgy and in the preaching of the Word.
Conclusion: Connection to God’s Love and Jesus Christ
The kerygma is ultimately about the proclamation of God’s love revealed in Jesus Christ. At the heart of the Christian message is the declaration that “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, NIV).
This proclamation of God’s love is the foundation of the Christian faith and the driving force behind the Church’s mission. The kerygma calls all people to encounter the love of God in Christ, to repent of their sins, and to receive the gift of eternal life through faith in Him.
In 1 Corinthians 1:23-24, Paul summarizes the power and mystery of the kerygma:
| “But we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”
| —1 Corinthians 1:23-24 (NIV)
This passage highlights the transformative nature of the kerygma. It is through the proclamation of Christ crucified and risen that believers come to know the power and wisdom of God. The kerygma is not just the starting point of the Christian faith but its ongoing center, calling believers to continually live in the light of the gospel and to share that light with the world.