Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  7000 God's people  »  7700 Leadership and the people of God  »  7724 evangelists  »  7726 evangelists, ministry of

Evangelists proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, calling those who hear to believe in him. This may be in the context of missionary journeys, often in partnership with others, or within a more settled ministry. Carrying out the task requires integrity and commitment in the face of hardships and danger; it also brings joy at seeing the church grow.

The task of evangelists

Announcing good news

Isaiah 52:7; Luke 4:43 See also Acts 5:42; Acts 8:12; Acts 11:20; Romans 10:15

Proclaiming the gospel

Romans 15:16,20-21 See also Acts 8:5; Acts 15:7; 1 Corinthians 1:17; Corinthians 9:16; Corinthians 15:1-2; 2 Corinthians 10:15-16

Testifying to the truth about Jesus Christ

Acts 10:42-43 See also John 1:35-36; John 15:26-27; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:32-33; Acts 17:2-3; 1 John 1:1-3

Calling people to believe in Jesus Christ

Romans 10:13-14 See also Mark 1:14-15; Acts 13:38-39; Acts 16:30-34; Acts 18:4; Acts 26:28; Romans 1:5; 1 Corinthians 15:11; 2 Corinthians 5:11

The context of the evangelist's work

Missionary journeys

Acts 13:4-5; Acts 14:24-25; Acts 16:9-10

In partnership with others

Luke 10:1 See also Mark 6:7; Acts 10:23; Acts 14:1; Acts 16:6; Acts 17:14-15; Philippians 1:5

Within a settled period of ministry

2 Timothy 4:5 Timothy as a pastor is also to do the work of an evangelist. See also Acts 18:9-11 Paul spends a year and a half in Corinth; Acts 28:30-31 Paul preaches the gospel whilst under house arrest in Rome; 1 Timothy 4:13-14; 2 Timothy 4:2

The evangelist's integrity

2 Corinthians 2:17 See also 2 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Thessalonians 2:3-5

The evangelist's commitment

Working so as not to be a burden

1 Thessalonians 2:8-9 See also Acts 20:33-34; 1 Corinthians 4:12; Corinthians 9:6

Facing hardship and danger

2 Corinthians 11:23-29

Arrest and imprisonment:

Acts 5:18; Acts 20:23-24; Acts 21:33; Ephesians 6:19-20

Flogging:

Acts 5:40; Acts 16:22-23

Stoning:

Acts 7:58; Acts 14:19

Physical attack:

Acts 9:29; Acts 21:30-31

Opposition:

Acts 20:19; 1 Thessalonians 2:2

Concern for unbelievers:

Romans 9:1-2; Romans 10:1

Financial support for evangelists

1 Corinthians 9:11-14 See also 1 Timothy 5:18

The evangelist's blessing

Joy at seeing the church grow

1 Thessalonians 3:7-9 See also Acts 15:3; 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20

The satisfaction of seeing new converts grow in their faith

1 Corinthians 1:4-7; Ephesians 1:15-16; Philippians 1:3-6; 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

See also

5357  journey
5560  suffering
7754  preaching
7924  fellowship in service
7939  ministry
7953  mission of church
8202  boldness
8207  commitment
8414  encouragement
8495  witnessing
8794  persecution