Who Should Evangelize?
Every Christian
- Christ's command to go and make disciples of all nations seems to be given to all His disciples, not just the first twelve (Matt 28:18-20).
- Look up Acts 8:1-4; 11:19-21. Who is scattered and who stays in Jerusalem? Who preaches?
- Look up 1Pet 1:1-2; 3:15. Who is Peter writing to? What does he tell them to do?
- Look up Rom 1:14-15. Is this simply a descriptive passage about Paul's desires as an apostle? Do they apply to us today?
- According to Acts 6:5, Philip was a deacon, which was a position not of spiritual oversight and leadership, but of service in the physical and financial matters of the church. Yet in Acts 8:5-6, 25-40, we see Philip engaged in cross-cultural evangelism.
- Apparently, evangelism in the early church was not left to the apostles or "super-Christians". Everyone did evangelism, and there was an eagerness in their spirits for it.
- One important aspect of evangelism is the way Christians live in loving community with one another. A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:34-35).The command to love applies to all Christians, and one intended effect of that command is evangelistic witness.
