Fire Starters: 4 Great Evangelists That Changed the World
- Ray Reynolds, Ph.D.
- 5 hours ago
- 6 min read
A soul-winning sermon series can inspire a congregation to actively share their faith and reach out to those who do not know Christ. Starting in just two weeks we’ll be studying this very topic at the Summerdale Church of Christ. These lessons will focus on the importance of evangelism. We’ll also equip believers with biblical insights and practical strategies for being an effective witness. Several key Bible characters should be studied.
1) Jesus - Even though "evangelist" isn't the primary title used for Jesus in the Bible, his life and ministry perfectly embody the essence of sharing good news. Here are 5 key aspects that demonstrate why Jesus was the ultimate evangelist:
* He Embodied the Message: Jesus was the good news he proclaimed (the Gospel). His life, death, and resurrection were the central message. He didn't just speak about God's love and the Kingdom of Heaven; he demonstrated it through his actions, his miracles, his compassion, and ultimately, his sacrifice. His very being was a living testament to the message he preached.
* He Communicated with Authority and Clarity: Jesus spoke with a unique authority that resonated with his listeners (Matthew 7:29). He taught profound truths in simple, relatable ways through parables, everyday examples, and direct pronouncements. His message was clear and impactful, cutting through religious jargon and connecting with people on a fundamental level.
* He Connected with People Personally: Jesus didn't just preach to crowds; he engaged with individuals. He met people where they were, understood their needs, and offered them hope and healing. Whether it was the woman at the well, Zacchaeus the tax collector, or the disciples, he invested time in personal interactions, addressing their specific circumstances and drawing them into a relationship with God.
* He Demonstrated the Kingdom of God Through Miracles and Compassion: Jesus' miracles weren't just displays of power; they were tangible demonstrations of the Kingdom of God breaking into the present. Healings, casting out demons, and providing for the needy showed God's love, compassion, and power over suffering and evil. These acts of service and power authenticated his message and drew people to believe.
* He Commissioned and Empowered Others to Continue His Work: Jesus didn't intend for the good news to end with him. He called disciples, taught them, and sent them out to preach and heal (Matthew 10, Luke 10). He promised them the Holy Spirit, empowering them to continue his mission after his ascension. This act of equipping and sending others ensured the lasting impact of his evangelistic work.
2) Simon Peter - Peter's impact as an evangelist in the Bible wasn't accidental. Several key characteristics and actions contributed to his effectiveness. Here are five tips, drawn from his biblical accounts, that highlight what made him a great evangelist:
* He was Bold and Courageous in Proclaiming the Message: After the Holy Spirit empowered him on Pentecost, Peter, who had previously denied Jesus out of fear, stood before a large crowd and boldly proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts 2). This wasn't a one-time event; throughout Acts, we see Peter speaking with conviction and without hesitation, even in the face of opposition and persecution (Acts 4:13, Acts 5:29). His transformation from fear to fearless proclamation was a powerful testament in itself.
* He Clearly Articulated the Gospel Message: Peter's sermons, as recorded in Acts, were direct and focused on the core elements of the gospel: the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ, and the need for repentance and faith for salvation (Acts 2:22-36, Acts 3:12-26, Acts 10:34-43). He skillfully used Old Testament prophecies to demonstrate that Jesus was the promised Messiah, making a compelling case for his listeners to believe.
* He Connected with His Audience: While his core message remained consistent, Peter adapted his approach to connect with different audiences. In Acts 2, he spoke to a Jewish crowd in Jerusalem, drawing heavily on the scriptures and understanding of the Messiah. Later, in Acts 10, he ministered to Cornelius, a Gentile, demonstrating a willingness to cross cultural boundaries and explain the gospel in a way that resonated with him.
* He Backed Up His Words with Miraculous Signs: The early church, including Peter, was marked by signs and wonders that confirmed the truth of their message (Acts 3:1-10, Acts 5:12-16). These miracles served as powerful demonstrations of God's power and authenticated Peter's claims about Jesus. They drew attention and created opportunities for him to share the gospel with those who witnessed them.
* He was Led by the Holy Spirit: Peter's ministry wasn't driven by his own intellect or strategy but by the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit empowered him to speak boldly, gave him insight into situations, and directed his steps (Acts 4:8, Acts 10:19-20). His willingness to be used by the Spirit was crucial to his effectiveness as an evangelist.
3) Philip - Philip is almost a “blink and you’ll miss him” character in Acts that made huge ripples throughout the early church. Based on the information available in the context, here are 5 tips on what made Philip a great evangelist in the Bible:
* He preached Christ: When Philip went to Samaria, he "proclaimed unto them the Christ" (Acts 8:5). His message was clearly centered on Jesus.
* He performed signs and miracles: Philip's preaching was accompanied by "signs and great miracles" (Acts 8:6). These demonstrations of God's power authenticated his message and drew people to listen.
* He was obedient to the Spirit's leading: The Spirit directed Philip to the desert road to Gaza (Acts 8:26, 29). His willingness to follow God's specific instructions led to the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch.
* He engaged individuals with Scripture: When he met the Ethiopian eunuch reading Isaiah, Philip engaged him in a conversation about the passage and used it to preach Jesus (Acts 8:30-35). He knew and used the Scriptures effectively.
* He brought joy to those who believed: As a result of Philip's ministry in Samaria, "there was much joy in that city" (Acts 8:8). His evangelism resulted in positive transformation and spiritual happiness for those who accepted the message.
4) Paul - Finally, we find Saul of Tarsus (Paul). He served as a minister and missionary throughout most of the book of Acts. Drawing from his extensive ministry recorded in the Bible, here are 5 key aspects that made Paul a great evangelist:
* His Radical Conversion and Zealous Devotion: Paul's dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9) was a pivotal moment. His previous zealous persecution of Christians transformed into an equally fervent dedication to spreading the gospel. This profound personal experience fueled his unwavering commitment and gave his testimony immense power. He went from being the church's greatest enemy to one of its most influential advocates.
* His Strategic Mind and Tireless Missionary Journeys: Paul wasn't a passive evangelist. He strategically planned his missionary journeys, targeting key cities and regions to establish churches and spread the Christian message throughout the Roman Empire (Acts 13-28). His relentless travel, facing hardships, dangers, and opposition, demonstrates his unwavering dedication to fulfilling his calling to reach the Gentiles.
* His Eloquent Communication and Persuasive Arguments: Paul was a highly educated and skilled communicator. He could engage with diverse audiences, from Jewish synagogues to Gentile intellectuals in marketplaces and philosophical forums (Acts 17). He masterfully used rhetoric, logic, and his deep understanding of the Old Testament to present the gospel in a compelling and persuasive manner, adapting his approach to connect with his listeners.
* His Ability to Plant and Nurture Churches: Paul's evangelistic efforts weren't just about initial conversions. He invested significant time in establishing churches, appointing elders, encouraging preachers, and writing letters (the Pauline epistles) to provide ongoing instruction, encouragement, and correction (Acts 14:23, various epistles). This focus on discipleship and building sustainable communities was crucial for the long-term growth of Christianity.
* His Willingness to Suffer for the Gospel: Paul endured immense hardship, including imprisonment, beatings, shipwrecks, and constant threats to his life, all for the sake of the gospel (II Corinthians 11:23-28). His willingness to suffer demonstrated the depth of his conviction and served as a powerful testimony to the transformative power of his faith. His resilience in the face of adversity inspired others and validated the authenticity of his message.
In an increasingly secularized world, the church today faces the critical task of sharing the life-transforming message of the Gospel with those who have never heard or have turned away. These individuals mentioned above, and countless more, dedicated their lives to the furtherance of the gospel. We need more like them.
Evangelists, equipped with a passion for the lost and the ability to communicate effectively, are vital in bridging this gap. They ignite a fire within the church, inspiring believers to share their faith boldly and creatively, reaching beyond the walls of the church to connect with a world desperately in need of hope and redemption. Their work is not just about numbers, but about discipling new believers and integrating them into the life of the church, fostering spiritual growth and multiplication.
You are loved.
Ray Reynolds, PhD
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