[Greek] ἀπαγγέλλω (apangellō), [Latin] annuntiare, [Old English] tidan: to inform, to proclaim, to announce, to report, to give a message, to bring word, to announce or report from a person; multiple scriptural references
Vision of Cornelius the Centurion: painting by Gerbrand van den Eechout (1664). Cornelius relates in a vision that he will need to summon Peter to his house to be baptized.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to report (bring news), to give orders, to record, to command (give orders), to relate, and to bring back news. Plato’s Charmides 153c states “Then the report, I replied, is pretty near the truth. You were present? I was present. Then sit down here and give us a full account; for as yet we have had no clear report at all.” Xenophn’s Anabasis 6.4.25 states “After his one of the men who escaped brought back word to the camp of what had happened.” Herodotus’ The Histories 1.127 states “But when Astyages heard that Cyrus was about winning their freedom, he sent a messenger to summon Cyrus. Cyrus told the messenger to take back word that Astyages would see him sooner than he liked.” Aeschylus’ Libation Bearers 266 states “O children, O saviors of your father’s hearth, speak not so loud, dear children, in case someone should overhear and report all this to our masters merely for the sake of rumor.”
Old Testament: This term, used in both a religious and secular (ordinary) sense, means to tell, to be told, to report, to inform, and to give a warning. The religious sense means to send or report God’s messages, oracles, and cultic proclamations. Did I not announce and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses (Isa44:8). The Lord also proclaims His word to Jacob (Psa.147:8). If I give that to the man of God, he will tell us our way (1Sam.9:8). Samuel answered Saul: ‘I am the seer. Go up ahead of me to the high place and eat with me today (1Sam.9:19). I announce to him that I am condemning his family once and for all, because of this crime (1Sam.3:13). On the third day, word came to Laban that Jacob had fled (Gen.31:22). When it was reported to the king of Egypt that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his servants changed their minds about them (Exo.14:5).
New Testament: This term is also used in a religious and ordinary sense. Scriptural examples occur most frequently in Matthew, Luke, and Acts. Religious examples involve miracle accounts, God’s messages, and Jesus Himself as the Messenger of God. These accounts, situations, or incidents are either reported, relayed, or talked about.
Scripture:
“He sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found Him, bring me word, that I too may go and do Him homage.” Mt.2:8
Herod wanted to find and see the child for own his reasons. Herod was very threatened by the authority of this child.
“Jesus said to them in reply, ‘Go and tell John what you hear and see.” Mt. 11:4
Jesus instructs John’s disciples to tell John of the miracles that Jesus performed. Jesus tells the crowd about John as the messenger preparing the way for Him.
“He (the Spirit) related to us how he had seen the angel standing in house saying, ‘Send someone to Joppa and summon Simon, who is called Peter.’” Acts 11:13
Divine directions were given to Peter and Cornelius to remove the legal barriers between the Jews and Gentiles. The Gentiles are to be included in receiving the Gospel. The Spirit instructed Peter to enter into Cornelius’ house. The Jewish Christians were scandalized to learn of Peter’s entry into the house of the Gentile Cornelius.
Conclusion:
Angel, angelic, announce, annunciation, tidings
In the Greek Hellenistic era, this term is used quite frequently in many contexts. Soldiers were often used to gather, inform, and report information to their superiors. Some of these reporters of information were not exactly angels. Likewise, information and rumor were reported and countermanded. It is interesting to note that both soldiers and angels have standing orders to report to their superior!
In the Judeo-Christian culture, prophets and angels were very instrumental in relating God proclamations. The Spirit informs Peter that the Gentiles will also share in the salvation offered by God.
Update: Sept 8 was the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Essentially, this is Mary’ birth date. The feast of the Immaculate Conception (Mary being conceived in her mother’s womb) was celebrated nine months previously. The Immaculate Conception pertains to Mary’s conception, rather than Jesus’ conception. Unfortunately, many often confuse this with Jesus’ birth. Mary was protected from the stain of sin at the very beginning of her life. God had great future plans for her. Years later, an another annunciation (visit) will occur. The angel tells Mary that she has found favor with God. Jesus will conceive in her sinless womb and bear a son.
I would thou good favor with God and tidings of comfort and joy.