George Leo Haydock

The beginning of the Gospel. The Greek word[1] and Latin derived from it, signifies the good news, or happy tidings about Christ’s coming and doctrine. The word gospel is from the Saxon, God’s spell, or good spell, i.e. God’s word, or good speech. (Witham) — Some are of opinion that the termination of the first verse should be pointed with a simple comma, thus connecting it with the sequel; and the Greek text seems to favour this sentiment. According to the punctuation of the Vulgate, the first verse is merely the inscription or title.