"Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
— Matthew 28:19 (NIV)
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What Does the Bible Say About Evangelism?
Jesus sends His followers. Matthew 28:19-20 tells them to 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 He commanded. Evangelism is that sending. The church carries the good news because the risen Lord said to go.
Sharing your faith also means being ready. 1 Peter 3:15 calls believers to give a reason for the hope they have, and to do it with gentleness and respect. The answer is for the person in front of you. Gentleness and respect belong to the command.
Love is the mark of disciples (John 13:35). People are meant to recognize Jesus' followers by the love they have for one another. Witness that leaves that love behind stops sounding like Him. Love is the heart of witness.
The Biblical Perspective
If you possessed a cure for a deadly disease and kept it to yourself, that wouldn't be love. Sharing faith is love's natural extension. Witnessing tells what you've seen and experienced. The Great Commission commands gospel proclamation. Spreading love includes spreading love's message. And outreach extends Christ's invitation.
Evangelism isn't imposing religion but offering rescue. Love for neighbors includes their eternal well-being.
Key Scriptural Insights
1. The Command
Jesus gave clear instructions:
Matthew 28:19-20: "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."
Mark 16:15: "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation."
Acts 1:8: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
2. The Motivation
Love drives evangelism:
2 Corinthians 5:14: "For Christ's love compels us."
Romans 9:2-3: Paul's anguish for his unsaved countrymen: "I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart."
Romans 10:1: "Brothers and sisters, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved."
Jude 22-23: "Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire."
3. The Method
Scripture describes how to evangelize:
1 Peter 3:15: "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."
Colossians 4:6: "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt."
Acts 17:2-3: Paul "reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving" the gospel.
Evangelism involves preparation, gentleness, respect, grace, and Scripture.
Practical Application
How do we share our faith?
Pray for opportunities. Colossians 4:3: "Pray for us... that God may open a door for our message."
Build relationships. Evangelism often works best through genuine friendship, not cold approach.
Listen first. Understand where people are before launching into presentation.
Tell your story. Personal testimony is powerful and undeniable.
Speak clearly. Know how to explain the gospel simply.
Be patient. Salvation is often a process, not instant response. Keep loving.
Trust God for results. You plant; others water; God gives growth (1 Corinthians 3:6).
Live consistently. Your life should back up your words.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is every Christian called to evangelize?
Yes. Matthew 28:19-20 sends Jesus' followers to go and make disciples, and Acts 1:8 calls them witnesses from home all the way to the ends of the earth. Not every believer preaches to a crowd. Every disciple can pray for an open door, tell what Jesus has done, and live so the message can be heard. The call rests on the whole church.
How do you share your faith without being pushy?
Start with gentleness. 1 Peter 3:15 holds a ready answer together with gentleness and respect. Listen before you speak, answer when someone is actually asking, and let love set the pace (John 13:35). You are offering good news, not forcing a decision. Trust God with the result, and keep caring for the person either way.
Conclusion
Love shares what it treasures. If eternal life matters—and it does—then sharing the way to it is love's urgent work.
Go. Make disciples. Tell what Jesus has done. And leave results to the One who saves.
