Where in the Bible Does It Say to Evangelize? Exploring the Biblical Mandate for Evangelism

Evangelism is a central aspect of the Christian faith—spreading the good news of Jesus Christ to those who have not yet heard or believed in Him. The Bible is clear that evangelism is not just a recommendation but a command given to every believer. It’s a calling to share the gospel and make disciples of all nations.

In this article, we’ll explore key Scriptures that explicitly speak to evangelism and provide the biblical foundation for why and how Christians are called to spread the message of Christ.

1. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20)

The most well-known and clear directive to evangelize comes from Jesus Himself in the Great Commission, recorded in Matthew 28:18-20. These verses form the foundation for evangelism in the church and are often cited as the call to share the gospel with the world.

Key Scripture:

• Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV):

  • “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore 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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”

What It Means:

• Make Disciples: Jesus commands His followers to make disciples of all nations. This involves sharing the gospel, baptizing believers, and teaching them to live according to God’s commands.

• Go: The command to “go” implies action—Christians are not meant to sit passively but to actively reach out to others with the message of Christ.

Why It Matters:

This is the primary mandate for evangelism and missions in the church. As believers, we are called to spread the message of Jesus to all people, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to hear the good news.

2. The Command to Preach the Gospel (Mark 16:15)

In Mark 16:15, Jesus reinforces the Great Commission by explicitly instructing His followers to preach the gospel to all creation.

Key Scripture:

• Mark 16:15 (NIV):

  • “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’”

What It Means:

• Preach the Gospel: This verse emphasizes the importance of preaching the gospel, which means proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. Evangelism involves telling others about Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection and inviting them to follow Him.

Why It Matters:

Evangelism is not optional but a command from Jesus. Preaching the gospel is the means by which people come to know Christ, and it’s the responsibility of every Christian.

3. Paul’s Call to Evangelism (Romans 10:14-15)

The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the necessity of evangelism, teaching that hearing the gospel is essential for salvation. In Romans 10:14-15, Paul outlines the process of how people come to faith in Jesus.

Key Scripture:

• Romans 10:14-15 (NIV):

  • “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’”

What It Means:

• Faith Comes Through Hearing: Paul highlights that in order for people to come to faith in Christ, they must first hear the gospel. For this to happen, someone must go and preach or share the good news.

• Preaching Requires Sending: Evangelism requires Christians to be sent—either locally or globally—to share the message.

Why It Matters:

Paul makes it clear that the salvation of others depends on the willingness of Christians to evangelize. By preaching the gospel, we are part of the chain of events that leads to others hearing and responding to God’s call.

4. The Example of the Early Church (Acts 1:8)

In Acts 1:8, Jesus promises the power of the Holy Spirit to help believers be His witnesses to the ends of the earth. This passage highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering Christians to spread the gospel.

Key Scripture:

• Acts 1:8 (NIV):

  • “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.”

What It Means:

• Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Evangelism is not done in our own strength but through the power of the Holy Spirit. Christians are equipped and empowered to be witnesses of Christ in every corner of the world.

• Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the Ends of the Earth: Jesus’ commission starts locally (Jerusalem) and extends globally, emphasizing the scope of evangelism from our neighborhoods to the entire world.

Why It Matters:

The Holy Spirit enables believers to be effective witnesses, guiding and empowering them in the mission to spread the gospel. Evangelism is God-empowered, not self-driven.

5. Sharing the Gospel Is an Expression of Love (John 13:34-35)

Evangelism is not just a command but also an expression of love. In John 13:34-35, Jesus teaches that the world will know His disciples by their love for one another. This love extends to evangelizing others and sharing the gospel.

Key Scripture:

• John 13:34-35 (NIV):

  • “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

What It Means:

• Love Compels Evangelism: Sharing the gospel is an act of love—love for God and love for others. As followers of Christ, we share His message because we want others to experience the same love, grace, and salvation that we have received.

• Visible Love: Evangelism is also a demonstration of the love Christians have for the world. It shows the world that believers care deeply about their spiritual well-being.

Why It Matters:

When Christians love others, they are compelled to share the gospel, ensuring that everyone has the chance to know Christ’s love and salvation.

Conclusion

The Bible is clear: evangelism is not optional for Christians—it is a command and a natural outflow of the love and grace we’ve received from God. From the Great Commission in Matthew 28 to Paul’s letters in Romans, we are called to spread the gospel, make disciples, and witness to the ends of the earth. By sharing the message of Christ, we join in God’s mission to bring salvation to all people.

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