The word Gospel means good news! The first four books of the New Testament are called the Gospels because they contain the life and teachings of Jesus who is the "good news" embodied. As the church began to grow throughout the 1st century, the leaders of the early church, began to interpret the teachings of the disciples and apply them to their lives, and learned how to live out the gospel in practical ways. Letters were written to teach the early church how to apply the Gospel in their cities, families, and personal lives, and these letters became part of our Bible to teach us how to live out the Gospel.