Evangelism is a core aspect of the Christian faith. It is the act of spreading the good news of Jesus Christ to the world, bringing people to salvation through faith in Him. The Bible has much to say about evangelism, both directly and indirectly, and it emphasizes the importance of sharing the gospel message with others. Jesus Himself commanded His disciples to go into the world and preach the gospel to every nation. This commandment remains relevant to Christians today as they seek to fulfill the Great Commission in their own lives.
The following 25 Bible verses provide powerful reminders and guidance on evangelism. They reveal the importance of preaching the gospel, the role of believers in reaching out to others, and the promises of God’s help as we share His truth. Whether you are a seasoned evangelist or just starting to share your faith, these verses will inspire and encourage you to engage in the mission of evangelism with boldness, compassion, and faith.
1. Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV)
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
In what is known as the Great Commission, Jesus instructs His disciples to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations. This verse serves as the foundational command for evangelism. It reminds us that evangelism is not optional for Christians—it is a mandate from Jesus Himself. Moreover, Jesus promises to be with us as we carry out this mission, providing the strength and wisdom we need.
2. Mark 16:15 (KJV)
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
Mark’s account of the Great Commission echoes Jesus’ command to spread the gospel to the entire world. Evangelism is not just for a select few but for every believer. The message of salvation through Jesus is for all people, and our responsibility is to share it with everyone we encounter.
3. Acts 1:8 (KJV)
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
In this verse, Jesus assures His disciples that they will receive the Holy Spirit’s power to be His witnesses. The Holy Spirit empowers believers for evangelism, equipping them to boldly share the gospel in every corner of the world. Evangelism is not something we do in our own strength but through the power of the Holy Spirit.
4. Romans 10:14-15 (KJV)
“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”
Paul highlights the necessity of evangelism in these verses. For people to believe in Jesus, they must first hear the gospel, and for them to hear, someone must preach it. This underscores the importance of evangelism in leading others to faith. Evangelists, both professional and lay, play a crucial role in spreading the good news.
5. Matthew 9:37-38 (KJV)
“Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”
Jesus observed that the harvest of souls is abundant, but the workers—those who are willing to share the gospel—are few. He encourages His followers to pray for more laborers to join the mission of evangelism. This is a powerful reminder that the need for evangelism is urgent, and more workers are needed to bring people into the kingdom of God.
6. 2 Timothy 4:2 (KJV)
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”
Paul urges Timothy to preach the Word of God consistently and faithfully, whether it is convenient or not. Evangelism requires dedication, and it is not always easy. However, it is essential that believers remain faithful in sharing the message of salvation, even when it is challenging or unpopular.
7. Luke 10:2 (KJV)
“Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.”
This verse mirrors Matthew 9:37-38 and reinforces the idea that there is an abundant harvest of souls, but not enough laborers to bring them in. Jesus urges His followers to pray for more workers who will take the gospel to those who need it.
8. John 4:35 (KJV)
“Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.”
In this passage, Jesus teaches His disciples that the time for evangelism is now. There is no need to wait for a “perfect time” to share the gospel. The fields are already ripe for harvest, and we are called to take immediate action in spreading the good news.
9. 1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (KJV)
“To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.”
Paul emphasizes his willingness to adapt to different situations and people in order to share the gospel effectively. He became all things to all people so that some might come to faith in Christ. Evangelism requires flexibility and a heart willing to reach people wherever they are.
10. Ephesians 6:19-20 (KJV)
“And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”
Paul asks the Ephesians to pray for him that he may have the boldness to proclaim the gospel clearly. Evangelism often requires courage, and Paul’s example shows us the importance of relying on God’s strength and boldness in our evangelistic efforts.
11. Colossians 4:5-6 (KJV)
“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
Paul encourages believers to live wisely in front of unbelievers, using their words and actions to draw others to Christ. Evangelism is not just about preaching but also about living in a way that reflects Christ’s love and grace.
12. Acts 8:4 (KJV)
“Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.”
After the persecution of the early church, the believers who were scattered continued to spread the gospel wherever they went. This verse shows that evangelism is not limited to specific locations or contexts but should be a part of every believer’s life, no matter where they find themselves.
13. Romans 1:16 (KJV)
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
Paul boldly declares that he is not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for salvation. Evangelism requires a bold proclamation of the gospel, understanding that it is the means by which people are saved.
14. 1 Peter 3:15 (KJV)
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”
Peter encourages believers to be ready to share the reason for their hope in Christ at all times. Evangelism involves being prepared to give a thoughtful and gracious answer when others inquire about the faith we hold dear.
15. Acts 13:47 (KJV)
“For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.”
Paul and Barnabas remind the people that God’s plan was always to extend the message of salvation to the Gentiles and the ends of the earth. Evangelism is not just for a select few; it is for everyone, everywhere.
16. Philippians 1:27-28 (KJV)
“Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; and in nothing terrified by your adversaries…”
Paul urges believers to live in a way that reflects the gospel and to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of opposition. Evangelism involves perseverance, as we remain steadfast in our mission to share the gospel.
17. Isaiah 6:8 (KJV)
“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.”
This passage from the prophet Isaiah reflects the call of God for willing servants who will go and share His message. Evangelism begins with the willingness to say, “Here am I; send me,” answering God’s call to go to those who need to hear about His love and salvation.
18. 2 Corinthians 5:20 (KJV)
“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.”
As ambassadors for Christ, Christians are His representatives in the world. Evangelism is about being the voice of Christ, imploring people to be reconciled to God through Him.
19. John 20:21 (KJV)
“Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.”
Jesus commissions His disciples to continue His work on earth, sending them into the world just as the Father sent Him. Evangelism is part of the continuation of Jesus’ mission.
20. Titus 2:11-12 (KJV)
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”
Evangelism is about proclaiming the grace of God that brings salvation to all people. Christians are called to live in a way that reflects this grace, so that others are drawn to the truth of the gospel.
21. Luke 24:47 (KJV)
“And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”
Jesus instructs His followers to preach repentance and forgiveness of sins in His name to all nations. Evangelism involves sharing the message of repentance, which is essential for salvation.
22. Romans 10:9-10 (KJV)
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Evangelism is about sharing this truth, leading others to confess their faith in Christ and experience salvation.
23. Hebrews 13:12-14 (KJV)
“Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.”
Evangelism often requires sacrifice and going outside of our comfort zones. Christians are called to go out and bear the reproach of Christ as we spread His message to the world.
24. John 15:16 (KJV)
“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.”
Jesus reminds His followers that they have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit for His kingdom. Evangelism is about bringing others to faith, ensuring that the fruit we bear remains for eternity.
25. Matthew 5:14-16 (KJV)
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
As believers, we are called to be lights in the world, shining the gospel through our actions and words. Evangelism is not just about what we say but also about how we live.
Conclusion
Evangelism is not just a command; it is a privilege and a responsibility. The Bible provides clear instructions and encouragement for believers to share the message of salvation with others. Through these 25 verses, we are reminded of the importance of evangelism, the power of the gospel, and the role of the Holy Spirit in equipping us for this task. As Christians, let us heed the call to evangelize with boldness and compassion, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.
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