The term Full Gospel is often used as a synonym for Pentecostalism and Charismatic Christianity, evangelicalism movements originating in the 19th century. They saw their teachings on baptism with the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, and divine healing as a return to the doctrines and power of the Apostolic Age. Because of this many early Pentecostals and Charismatics call their movement the Apostolic Faith or the Full Gospel.
History
The term "Full Gospel" refers to Romans 15,18-19, where Paul says: "... to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ."
This term has origins in the holiness movement and in the Pentecostalism. A. B. Simpson, the founder of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, framed his core beliefs around the "Fourfold Gospel", that Christ is Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Soon Coming King. The "Foursquare Gospel" of Aimee Semple McPherson and the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel also contributed to the expression. Many Pentecostals were influenced by Simpson and adopted his Fourfold or "Foursquare" Gospel as an articulation of their beliefs.