A Spiritual Gifts Word Study of Evangelism

[James Nored]

Here is the definition of the gift of evangelism and a word study of evangelism, taking from the work, Using Your Spiritual Gifts. Characteristics of this gift, biblical examples of how this gift was used, and more can be found in this work.

 

The Gift of Evangelism—Those gifted in evangelism are effective in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with the lost and helping them come to faith in some way.  An example of leading through evangelism would be a person telling someone what Christ has done in his or her own life (Jn. 4:39-42).

Spiritual Gifts Passages on Evangelism -
“. . . . some to be evangelists” (Eph. 4:11).

Word/Concept Study—The term "evangelist” euangelistē is found in Acts 21:8 in reference to Philip, who was one of the Seven, in Eph. 4:11, in a list of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, and in 2 Tim. 4:5, in which Timothy is told to do the work of an evangelist. 

 

The etymology of the word evangelist shows that this word came from the euangélion, or the good news. Based upon etymology, an evangelist is a proclaimer of good news.  In secular Greek usage in the 1st century, the word for good news (euangélion), was applied to the cult of the Roman emperor. In this myth, the emperor was viewed to be “Savior of the world,” a god in human form, and ruler over humanity, animals, even the winds and the sea. The proclamation of his birth and ascension to the throne was to bring about peace in the world, and these events were viewed to be “good news.” (TDNT)

 

There are no references to the term in the Greek version of the OT, but 76 references in the NT.  It is clear that this “gospel” message was appropriated by Jesus, the apostles, and the early Christians and given a profoundly Christian meaning.  The gospel is fundamentally about Jesus, the kingdom of God (God’s rule or reign over his people and the world), and the salvation that is found through Christ (Mk. 1:1;  1:15; 1 Cor. 15:1-6; Acts 10:34-43; Rom. 1:1-5).  

 

The phrase "proclaiming the good news" (NIV) is found in Mk. 1:14, Luke 8:1, Acts 5:42.  The phrase "preach the good news" (NIV) is found in Mt. 4:23; 9:35; Lk. 3:18; Lk. 4:43; Acts 8:12; 14:7; 14:21; 17:18.  This proclamation was primarily to nonbelievers, and was found in non-worship settings.

 

In this study, the gift of evangelism emphasizes the function of evangelism, not an “office,” and the ability of ordinary Christians to verbally share the good news of Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God and help others come to faith by either personal testimony and/or biblical reference.

 

What surprised you or interested you about the word study for evangelism?