What is Kerygma

κήρυγμα (Greek), Proclamation (English), البشارة (Arabic), ማወጅ (Amharic).

“Kerygma”  is a a Greek word used in the New Testament for “proclamation” (Luke 4:18-19, Romans 14:10, Matthew 3:1). It is related to the Greek verb κηρύσσω kērússō, literally meaning “to cry or proclaim as a herald” and being used in the sense of “to proclaim, announce, preach”. It is defined as “the apostolic proclamation of salvation through Jesus Christ.” Amongst biblical scholars, the term has come to mean the core of the early church’s oral tradition about Jesus.

The Message: 

The New Testament includes many of the same proclamations as the oral tradition that preceded it.

  1. The promises of God made in the Old Testament have now been fulfilled with the coming of Jesus, the Messiah (Acts 2:30, 3:19, 24, , 10:43, 26:6-7, Romans 1:2-4, 1 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 1:1-2, 1 Peter 1:10-12, 2 Peter 1:18-19.
  2. Jesus was anointed by God at his baptism as Messiah (Acts 10:38).
  3. Jesus began his ministry in Gallili the northern part above Jerusalem after his baptism (Acts 10:37).
  4. He conducted a benefice ministry doing good and performing mighty works by the power of God (Mk 10:45; Acts 2:22; 10:38).
  5. The Messiah was crucified according to the purpose of God (Mk 10:45; Jn 3:16; Acts 2:23; 3:13-15, 18; 4:11; 10:39; 26:23; etc…)
  6. He was raised from the dead and appeared to his disciples (Acts 2:24, 31-32; 3:15, 26; 10:40-41; 17:31; 26:23; Ro 8:34; 10:9; 1Co 15:4-7, 1Tim 3:16; 1Peter 1:2, 21; 3:18, 21).
  7. Jesus was exalted by God and given the name “Lord” (Acts 2:25-29, 33-36; 3:13; 10:36; Romans 8:34; 10:9; 1Tim 3:16; Hebrews 1:3; 1Peter 3:22).
  8. He gave the Holy Spirit to form the new community of God (Acts 1:8; 2:14-18, 33, 38-39; 10:44-47; 1Peter 1:12).
  9. He will come back for judgment and the restoration of all things (Acts 3:20-21; 10:42; 17:31; 1Co 15:20-28; 1Th 1:10).
  10. All who hear the message should repent, accept His salvation and be baptized (Acts 2:21, 38; 3:19; 10:43, 47-48; 17:30; 26:20; Romans 1:17; 10:9; 1Peter 3:21).
  11. Believers in Him should live a righteous life and commit themselves to obey His commandments (Matthew 28: 18-19).
  12. All who believe in Him will have everlasting life (John 3:16).