Sharing the gospel is the call of every Christian — and Scripture both commands it and equips us for it. Whether you're a nervous beginner or a seasoned witness, these verses ground evangelism in God's command, God's power, and God's promise of harvest.
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.”
The Great Commission. The marching orders of every Christian.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.”
The gospel — not the messenger's eloquence — saves.
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”
Be ready, but with meekness — not arrogance.
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?”
Paul's evangelistic logic. Someone has to tell.
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”
Paul's charge to Timothy. Be ready in every season.
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
Witness in widening circles, in the power of the Spirit.
“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without... Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
Gracious speech, salted with wisdom. The evangelist's manner.
Pray daily for opportunities. Pray daily for boldness. Live in such a way that people ask about the hope in you (1 Peter 3:15). Know the gospel clearly — Romans 1:16, John 3:16, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. Be ready to share it. Don't argue people into the kingdom; love them into it with gracious, salted speech (Colossians 4:6). The Holy Spirit converts; you just witness.
Evangelism is commanded — the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) is given to all disciples. Paul says 'how then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?' (Romans 10:14). The gospel is 'the power of God unto salvation' (Romans 1:16). Evangelism is sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ — his life, death, resurrection, and lordship — and calling people to repent and believe.
Know the gospel clearly: humanity is sinful (Romans 3:23), the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), Christ died for sinners (1 Corinthians 15:3-4), salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), the response is repentance and belief (Mark 1:15). Be ready to share it (1 Peter 3:15). Speak with grace (Colossians 4:6). Pray for the Spirit's work. Don't pressure — proclaim and persuade.
Acts 1:8 — 'ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses.' The power is the Spirit's, not yours. Pray for boldness (Acts 4:29). Start where you are — with one person God has put in your life. Remember: the gospel is the power, not your skill (Romans 1:16). Fear of man is real but addressable through prayer.
Yes. Matthew 28:19-20 is given to the eleven disciples after the resurrection, but the command to 'make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you' includes the command to evangelize. Every disciple is to make disciples. Some Christians are gifted as evangelists (Ephesians 4:11); all are called to witness (Acts 1:8).