The Bible says a lot about evangelism. Proclaiming God’s name displays faith in the Lord, introduces others to His love and grace, and glorifies the Savior among all people. Some of the most important passages on evangelism help to instruct, encourage, and guide believers in this important task. Here are seven key passages on the biblical practice of evangelism.
1 Peter 3:15
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect … .” -1 Peter 3:15
This verse exhorts believers to always be ready to explain the faith they have in Jesus. As we revere Christ, we tell others about the hope He offers the world. And when we evangelize, we should do so with gentleness and respect, reflecting Christ’s love to those who don’t know Him.
2 Timothy 4:1–5
“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” -2 Timothy 4:1–5
People are prone to be drawn to teaching that suits their needs and justifies their passions and desires, not teaching that magnifies the truth. Therefore, believers should preach the truth—whether it is convenient or inconvenient—correcting, rebuking, and encouraging others with patience and sound doctrine. This is part of what it means to be an evangelist.
Romans 1:16
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” -Romans 1:16
When Christians are persecuted or outnumbered by unbelievers, it is tempting to be ashamed of the gospel. Paul encouraged believers in Rome, who faced much resistance, to hold fast to the gospel, which has the power to save anyone who believes. It would first be preached among their own people, but it would eventually reach the world (the Gentiles).
Romans 10:14–15
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” -Romans 10:14–15
One of the most vital reasons for evangelism is that people will not know the gospel unless someone goes to tell them about it. Billions of unreached people will not know Jesus until the feet of God’s messengers bring the good news to them.
1 Corinthians 2:1–5
“And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.” –1 Corinthians 2:1–5
Eloquent, intellectual arguments will not save people. The gospel is powerful enough to change lives forever. Believers do not need to have a fancy gospel presentation. If we did, we might think it was our words that brought salvation. Rather, God’s power alone brings people from death to life.
2 Corinthians 5:20
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” -2 Corinthians 5:20
An ambassador is a representative of an authority. Believers are ambassadors of Christ, representing Him as they take his message throughout the Earth. We have been entrusted with a ministry of reconciliation—that is, proclaiming the way from being an enemy of God to being a child of God.
Matthew 28:19–20
“‘Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” -Matthew 28:19–20
Making disciples of all nations means to make disciples of all peoples. More than 17,000 people groups in the world today need the gospel, especially the 7,000 that have no access to it. We preach, baptize, and teach until the whole world has been reached with the gospel. Evangelism is God’s vehicle for reaching the world with the gospel. If you are a follower of Jesus, unashamedly preach the word as an evangelist and ambassador of Christ to make disciples of all nations, doing so with gentleness and respect while you lean on God’s power.
5 Reasons Believers Should Share the Gospel
When fear and feelings of inadequacy fill a believer’s heart, it’s helpful to remember the purpose of evangelism in order to be grounded in the truth. There are countless reasons to share the gospel. Consider these five reasons to share the gospel.
