One Gospel for All Nations

The Bible tells us what to believe––the gospel. But did you know it also shows how to contextualize the gospel?

In One Gospel for All Nations, Brad Vaughn (formerly Jackson Wu) does more than talk about principles. He gets practical. When the biblical writers explain the gospel, they consistently use a pattern that is both firm and flexible. Vaughn builds on this insight to demonstrate a model of contextualization that starts with interpretation and can be applied in any culture. In the process, he explains practically why we must not choose between the Bible and culture. Vaughn highlights various implications for both missionaries and theologians. Contextualization should be practical, not pragmatic; theological, not theoretical.

Vaughn gives his readers a model for contextualization that seeks to let the whole biblical narrative speak with a specific cultural accent, while at the same time interpreting and critiquing contemporary contexts through the lens of Scripture. But the real strength of this book comes when Vaughn shows us how his model works out in practice, as he beautifully retells the biblical story for Chinese people. 
Dean Flemming, PhD Professor of New Testament and Missions, MidAmerica Nazarene University author of Contextualization in the New Testament
In Vaughn's book, we get not only theory about contextualization but a practical model for working out the most significant theme in the Bible: gospel. Entering into this book is to enter into recent biblical discussions about the gospel and missiology's theories about contextualization. Vaughn even takes us to the heart of the matter when he shows what gospel looks like in the Chinese culture.
Scot McKnight, PhD professor of New Testament, Northern Seminary author of The King Jesus Gospel
What one sees in the book is precisely what should happen: sound biblical and theological reflection in the context of practice. As he seeks to answer the concrete question "how do we contextualize the gospel?" He thinks more deeply and not less.
Michael Goheen PhD, Director of Theological Education, Missional Training Center, Phoenix, author of The Drama of Scripture
One sign of an excellent book is the number and variety of people with whom one is eager to share it. Again and again as I read One Gospel for All Nations, names of colleagues came to mind.... In short, I would commend this book to anyone who wants to understand the Bible more fully or to communicate its message more clearly to others, locally or internationally. For those working in honor/shame cultures in particular, Vaughn's work is essential reading.
David W. Bennett, DMin PhD chief collaboration officer and teaching pastor The Lausanne Movement
Vaughn's book calls us into a serious reflection in the work of contextualization and meaningful presentation of the Gospel. Vaughn offers a timeless perspective that is both theological and practical. I highly recommend your attention to One Gospel for All Nations.
Rev. Samuel E. Chiang President and CEO, Seed Company

Foreword xi

Introduction: Biblically Faithful and Culturally Meaningful? xvii

1. Context Is King: A New Perspective on Contextualization 1
2. A Common Problem: Compromising the Gospel by Settling for Truth 17
3. Pattern: How Does the Bible Frame the Gospel? 29
4. Priority: What Questions Does the Gospel Answer? 55
5. Perspective: What Is an “Implicit Gospel”? 77
6. Process: How Do We Move from Biblical Text to Cultural Context?
7. A Jewish Gospel among Gentiles: Using Acts 17 as a Test Case 115
8. Chinese Biblical Theology: An Example of Exegetical Contextualization 127
9. The Gospel with Chinese Characteristics: An Example of Cultural Contextualization 147
10. Contextualizing Our Ministry: Implications for Strategy and Training 175
11. Cultural Lenses: Can We Use Contemporary Culture to Interpret Scripture? 183

Appendix 1 199

Appendix 2 205

Appendix 3 215

Notes (Endnotes) 223

Bibliography 243

Index 255