Understanding Personal Evangelism in the Bible

Personal evangelism, or the act of spreading the Christian faith, is a topic that has been discussed both passionately and thoughtfully by scholars and believers alike. This article explores the Bible's stance on personal evangelism, examining its historical context and the varying interpretations of key biblical passages.

Evangelism as a Gift of the Spirit

The Bible recognizes evangelism as one of the specific gifts of the Spirit, distributed in a manner similar to other specialized gifts. This is clearly stated in Ephesians 4:11, which mentions 'apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.' This passage suggests that evangelism is not a duty for all, but a gift granted to certain individuals.

Personal Faith and Evangelism in Matthew 28:19

There is an often-debated interpretation that Matthew 28:19 obligates all Christians to evangelize wherever they go. However, this interpretation conflicts with several other verses in the Bible. Romans 14:22 states, 'the faith that you have keep between yourself and God,' which implies that individual faith and practices should be between the believer and God. Moreover, Ephesians 4:11 highlights that evangelism, like other gifts, is not for all Christians. It is a recognition of the diversity of gifts and ministries within the Christian community.

Historical Context of Matthew 28:19

Further investigation into Matthew 28:19 reveals that it was given specifically to the eleven remaining disciples, not to all 500 mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:6. The verse states, 'Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.' This instruction is coupled with the command to baptize, which some denominations reserve for qualified clergy. This raises the question of who can perform the baptism.

The Obligation to Evangelize

Despite the cautionary interpretations, there is a strong biblical mandate for individual Christians to engage in evangelism. Matthew 28:19 and 20 emphasize that everyone who desires to become a disciple of Christ is duty-bound to evangelize. This is not an option; it is a requirement. The command to 'make disciples of all nations' is a clear and direct instruction from Jesus.

Conclusion: The Balance of Responsibility and Gift

Understanding personal evangelism in the Bible requires a careful weighing of different biblical passages and their historical contexts. It is crucial to embrace the balance between the gift of evangelism and the universal duty to share the faith. As Christians, we are called to share the message of salvation, but this should be done in a way that respects the diversity of gifts within the Christian community and the personal faith of individuals.

Key Points to Remember: Evangelism is a gift of the Spirit, not a duty for all Christians. Matthew 28:19 and 20 emphasize the obligation to share the faith but within the context of the universal church. Romans 14:22 and Ephesians 4:11 provide balance to the interpretation of Matthew 28:19.

By understanding and adhering to these principles, Christians can engage in personal evangelism with a clear conscience and a heart filled with love and conviction.