In the Bible, evangelists are individuals who proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and spread the message of salvation. The term is notably associated with the authors of the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—who communicated the life and teachings of Jesus.
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11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,
12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,
13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,
14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.
15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.
16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
Meaning of Evangelists in the Bible
The term “evangelist” derives from the Greek word “euangelistes,” meaning “bringer of good news.” In the New Testament, evangelists have a crucial role in disseminating the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. They are empowered by the Holy Spirit to share the transformative message of the gospel. Ephesians 4:11-12 highlights this vocation, stating that Christ gave various gifts to the Church, including evangelists, “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” This calls attention to the communal aspect of evangelism, as it is not just an individual endeavor but a collective mission to edify believers and reach those who have yet to hear the gospel.
The broader meaning of evangelists in the Bible transcends just the authors of the Gospels. While the four Gospel writers—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—are the most recognized evangelists, the term also encompasses anyone who shares the good news of Jesus Christ, as seen in Acts 8:26-40, where Philip the Evangelist proclaims the gospel to the Ethiopian eunuch. This passage illustrates that evangelism is accessible to all believers, affirming that the call to share the gospel is not limited to a select few but extends to everyone empowered by the Spirit. Ultimately, evangelists embody the mission of the Church to spread hope, reconciliation, and salvation to a world in need, driven by the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus instructs his followers to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” The role of evangelists is, therefore, vital in the ongoing narrative of faith and community in the Christian tradition.
The significance of evangelists in the Bible also speaks to their foundational role in the growth and establishment of the early Church. Beyond their gifts in communicating the gospel, evangelists exemplify a lifestyle of faith that encourages others to engage deeply with the message of Christ. In the early church, figures often dubbed as evangelists traveled extensively, sharing testimonies and establishing communities of believers. Their ability to articulate the gospel’s relevance to varied audiences, including those of different cultures and backgrounds, was essential for ensuring that the truth of salvation reached all corners of society.
Furthermore, the work of evangelists underscores the transformative power of personal testimony. Many early Christians, responding to their faith journeys, became evangelists themselves, inspired by the message they received. This widespread participation illustrates that evangelism is inherently relational; it thrives on the connections built between individuals as they share experiences of grace and redemption. The New Testament, especially in letters like 1 Thessalonians and 2 Timothy, emphasizes the imperative to “guard the good deposit” of faith received and to actively communicate it to others. Thus, evangelists not only fulfill a role of proclamation but also act as stewards of the transformative narrative of Jesus Christ, enkindling a passion for evangelism within the broader Christian community.
The Role of Evangelists in Spreading the Gospel
Evangelists serve as key figures in the dissemination of the Christian message. Their primary role is to share the teachings of Jesus Christ and the good news of salvation with others. This involves not only preaching but also engaging in personal conversations, teaching, and demonstrating the love of Christ through actions. The evangelist’s mission is to reach those who have not yet heard the gospel, thereby expanding the community of believers and fostering spiritual growth.
The Evangelist as a Catalyst for Transformation
In the biblical context, evangelists are often seen as agents of change, both in individual lives and within communities. Their work can lead to profound transformations, as they encourage repentance, faith, and a deeper relationship with God. By sharing their testimonies and the message of Christ, evangelists inspire others to reconsider their beliefs and lifestyles, often resulting in a renewed sense of purpose and direction in life.
The Evangelist’s Connection to the Church
Evangelists play a vital role within the broader framework of the church. They not only contribute to the growth of the church by bringing in new believers but also help to equip and empower existing members to share their faith. This collaborative effort fosters a sense of community and encourages a culture of evangelism within the church, emphasizing the importance of collective mission and outreach in fulfilling the Great Commission.
How to Share the Gospel Effectively as a Christian
Sharing the Gospel effectively is a beautiful journey that begins with genuine love and understanding for those around you. It’s essential to approach conversations with humility and an open heart, listening more than speaking. Start by building authentic relationships; people are more receptive to the message of Christ when they feel valued and understood. Share your personal testimony—how your faith has transformed your life—because stories resonate deeply and can spark curiosity. Remember, it’s not about winning arguments but about sharing the hope and grace you’ve found in Jesus. Pray for guidance and opportunities, and be prepared to answer questions with kindness and clarity. Ultimately, let your actions reflect Christ’s love, as sometimes the most powerful witness is simply living out your faith in everyday life.
Bible References to Evangelists Explained:
2 Timothy 4:1-5: 1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:
2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.
3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,
4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
Acts 21:8-9: 8 On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.
9 He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied.
Matthew 28:18-20: 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Acts 8:4-8: 4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.
5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ.
6 And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him and saw the signs that he did.
7 For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed.
8 So there was much joy in that city.
Acts 8:26-40: 26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place.
27 And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship
28 And he was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah.
And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.”
30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?”
31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this: “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opens not his mouth.
33 In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.
34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?”
35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.
36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?”
37 And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he replied, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.
39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.
40 Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.
Romans 10:13-15: 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
1 Corinthians 1:17-25: 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
19 For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”
20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.
22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom,
23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles,
24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
1 Corinthians 9:16-23: 16 For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!
17 For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship.
18 What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.
19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.
20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law.
21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law.
22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.
23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.
2 Corinthians 5:18-21: 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
1 Thessalonians 2:4-8: 4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.
5 For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness.
6 Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.
7 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children.
8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.
1 Peter 3:15-16: 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you;
16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
Mark 16:15-18: 15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.
16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
18 they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
Luke 4:18-19: 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
John 20:21-23: 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”
22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.