Evangelism is at the heart of the Christian mission, calling believers to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the world. It’s not just about spreading a message but about inviting others into a transformative relationship with God. These 50 Bible verses about evangelism highlight the importance of proclaiming the Gospel, the methods of doing so, and the promises associated with sharing the message of salvation.
As you explore these verses, may you be inspired and equipped to engage in the vital work of evangelism.
1. The Call to Evangelize
- Matthew 28:19-20
“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.”
Description: Jesus gives the Great Commission, commanding His followers to make disciples of all nations.
Interpretation: This foundational mandate emphasizes the global scope of evangelism and Christ’s promise of His presence as believers carry out this mission. - Mark 16:15
“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’”
Description: Jesus instructs His followers to preach the Gospel to every corner of the world.
Interpretation: This verse highlights the universal mission of evangelism, calling believers to reach out to all people without exception. - 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.”
Description: Jesus promises the Holy Spirit’s empowerment for witnessing to the ends of the earth.
Interpretation: This verse underscores the role of the Holy Spirit in equipping believers to be effective witnesses, starting locally and extending globally. - 2 Timothy 4:2
“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”
Description: Paul instructs Timothy to preach the Word of God diligently and with care.
Interpretation: This verse emphasizes the need for readiness and perseverance in evangelism, balancing correction and encouragement. - Romans 10:14-15
“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!’”
Description: Paul highlights the necessity of preaching for people to hear and believe in Christ.
Interpretation: This verse illustrates the chain of communication required for salvation, celebrating those who take on the role of evangelists. - Isaiah 52:7
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’”
Description: Isaiah praises those who bring the message of salvation and peace.
Interpretation: This verse reflects the Old Testament view of the value and beauty of spreading the good news, emphasizing the joy of proclaiming God’s reign. - John 15:16
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”
Description: Jesus chooses and appoints His followers to bear lasting fruit.
Interpretation: This verse affirms the purpose of evangelism as bearing lasting spiritual fruit and highlights the promise of answered prayers. - Matthew 5:14
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Description: Jesus describes His followers as the light of the world.
Interpretation: This verse calls believers to live out their faith publicly, serving as a beacon of the Gospel in a dark world. - Luke 4:18
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.”
Description: Jesus announces His mission to bring good news and freedom.
Interpretation: This verse outlines the compassionate and liberating nature of the Gospel, reflecting the heart of evangelistic work. - Acts 8:4
“Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.”
Description: The early Christians, despite persecution, continued to spread the Gospel wherever they went.
Interpretation: This verse demonstrates the resilience and commitment of early believers in evangelism, showing how adversity can lead to widespread Gospel outreach.
2. Methods of Evangelism
- 1 Peter 3:15
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. 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.”
Description: Peter encourages believers to be prepared to explain their hope in Christ with respect.
Interpretation: This verse highlights the importance of being ready to share one’s faith clearly and respectfully, reflecting Christ’s love in our responses. - Acts 17:23
“For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: ‘To an unknown god.’ So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.”
Description: Paul uses the Athenians’ altar to introduce them to the one true God.
Interpretation: This verse shows Paul’s strategy of connecting with his audience’s existing beliefs to introduce them to Christ, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to evangelism. - John 4:39
“Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me everything I ever did.’”
Description: The testimony of the Samaritan woman leads many to believe in Jesus.
Interpretation: This verse underscores the power of personal testimony in evangelism, showing how sharing one’s encounter with Jesus can lead others to faith. - 2 Corinthians 5:20
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”
Description: Paul describes believers as ambassadors for Christ, urging reconciliation with God.
Interpretation: This verse frames evangelism as a divine appeal through believers, highlighting the responsibility and urgency of the message of reconciliation. - Matthew 10:7
“As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’”
Description: Jesus instructs His disciples to announce the arrival of the kingdom of heaven.
Interpretation: This verse emphasizes the proclamation of the kingdom of God as central to evangelistic efforts, focusing on the nearness and presence of God’s reign. - Acts 2:42
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
Description: The early church devoted themselves to teachings, fellowship, and communal practices.
Interpretation: This verse reflects the importance of community and teaching in supporting evangelism, as the early church’s practices fostered growth and outreach. - Colossians 4:5-6
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Description: Paul advises wise and gracious interactions with non-believers.
Interpretation: This verse encourages evangelists to be intentional and thoughtful in their interactions, using grace and wisdom to communicate effectively. - Luke 10:2
“He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’”
Description: Jesus speaks of the need for more workers in the harvest field of evangelism.
Interpretation: This verse highlights the urgency of evangelistic work and the need for more laborers to share the Gospel, urging prayer for more workers. - Romans 1:16
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”
Description: Paul expresses his confidence in the Gospel’s power to bring salvation.
Interpretation: This verse underscores the transformative power of the Gospel and the importance of boldly proclaiming it without shame. - Acts 16:31
“They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.’”
Description: Paul and Silas promise salvation through belief in Jesus.
Interpretation: This verse reflects the simplicity and promise of the Gospel message, highlighting the potential for salvation to impact entire households.
3. The Impact of Evangelism
- Acts 2:41
“Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”
Description: The early church grows rapidly after Peter’s sermon.
Interpretation: This verse shows the significant impact of evangelistic preaching, leading to a large number of conversions and the expansion of the church. - Acts 8:12
“But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”
Description: Philip’s evangelistic work leads to many baptisms.
Interpretation: This verse demonstrates the power of proclaiming the Gospel to bring about belief and baptism, illustrating the fruitfulness of evangelistic efforts. - John 4:41
“And because of his words many more became believers.”
Description: Many Samaritans believe in Jesus because of His teachings.
Interpretation: This verse highlights the power of Jesus’ words to inspire faith and lead many to become believers, showing the potential impact of Gospel proclamation. - 1 Corinthians 3:6-7
“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”
Description: Paul and Apollos are co-workers in evangelism, with God giving the increase.
Interpretation: This verse emphasizes that while evangelists play a role in planting and watering, it is ultimately God who brings about growth and transformation. - 2 Corinthians 9:12
“This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.”
Description: Paul speaks of the impact of generous giving and service.
Interpretation: This verse illustrates how acts of service and generosity in the context of evangelism can lead to thanksgiving and glory to God, expanding the reach of the Gospel. - Philippians 1:12
“Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.”
Description: Paul views his imprisonment as a means to advance the Gospel.
Interpretation: This verse shows how challenges and hardships can further the spread of the Gospel, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of evangelistic efforts. - Romans 15:20
“It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.”
Description: Paul expresses his desire to evangelize in areas where Christ has not been preached.
Interpretation: This verse reflects the ambition to reach unreached areas with the Gospel, emphasizing the importance of pioneering evangelistic work. - James 5:20
“Remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”
Description: James highlights the significance of turning sinners to righteousness.
Interpretation: This verse underscores the impact of evangelism in saving souls and the spiritual significance of leading others away from sin. - 1 Thessalonians 1:8
“The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere.”
Description: Paul commends the Thessalonians for their widespread evangelistic influence.
Interpretation: This verse highlights the powerful impact of a church’s faith and message spreading far beyond its local context. - Acts 9:31
“Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened; living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.”
Description: The early church grows in peace and strength, supported by the Holy Spirit.
Interpretation: This verse illustrates how a strong, Spirit-filled church can experience growth and increase in numbers through evangelistic efforts.
4. Overcoming Obstacles in Evangelism
- 2 Timothy 1:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
Description: Paul reminds Timothy that God’s Spirit empowers believers, not making them timid.
Interpretation: This verse encourages overcoming fear and timidity in evangelism, embracing the power, love, and discipline provided by the Holy Spirit. - Acts 5:29
“Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than human beings!’”
Description: The apostles assert their commitment to God’s commands over human authority.
Interpretation: This verse highlights the importance of prioritizing God’s directives in evangelism, even when faced with opposition or authority. - Romans 8:31
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Description: Paul reassures believers of God’s support against any opposition.
Interpretation: This verse provides confidence and encouragement in evangelism, affirming that God’s support outweighs any opposition encountered. - 1 Corinthians 16:9
“Because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.”
Description: Paul acknowledges both the opportunity for effective ministry and the opposition he faces.
Interpretation: This verse recognizes that significant opportunities for evangelism often come with challenges, encouraging perseverance despite opposition. - John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Description: Jesus assures His disciples of peace and victory despite worldly troubles.
Interpretation: This verse provides comfort and encouragement for evangelists facing difficulties, emphasizing Christ’s victory over the world’s challenges. - 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
Description: Paul describes the hardships faced in ministry but affirms resilience.
Interpretation: This verse highlights the resilience and endurance of evangelists despite the challenges and pressures they face. - Matthew 10:16
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
Description: Jesus warns His disciples about the dangers they will face and advises wisdom and innocence.
Interpretation: This verse encourages believers to navigate evangelistic efforts with both wisdom and purity, recognizing potential dangers while remaining faithful. - Acts 14:22
“Strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith, ‘We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,’ they said.”
Description: Paul and Barnabas encourage disciples to persevere through hardships.
Interpretation: This verse acknowledges the reality of hardships in the path of evangelism and encourages perseverance and faithfulness. - Philippians 1:28
“Without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.”
Description: Paul encourages courage in the face of opposition, seeing it as a sign of salvation.
Interpretation: This verse provides encouragement to evangelists to remain fearless, viewing opposition as a testimony to God’s work and salvation. - 1 Peter 4:12-13
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
Description: Peter advises rejoicing in suffering for Christ’s sake.
Interpretation: This verse encourages a positive perspective on suffering encountered in evangelism, seeing it as sharing in Christ’s sufferings and anticipating future joy.
5. The Fruit of Evangelism
- Luke 15:7
“I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”
Description: Jesus speaks of the joy in heaven over one repentant sinner.
Interpretation: This verse highlights the immense value and joy of individual conversions, emphasizing the heavenly celebration of repentance. - John 4:36
“Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together.”
Description: Jesus compares evangelism to a harvest with rewards for those who participate.
Interpretation: This verse underscores the shared joy and reward in evangelism, both for those who sow the seeds of the Gospel and those who reap the harvest. - Acts 13:48
“When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.”
Description: The Gentiles respond positively to the Gospel, leading to belief and eternal life.
Interpretation: This verse reflects the fruitful response to the Gospel message among the Gentiles, illustrating the impact of evangelistic outreach. - 1 Corinthians 9:22
“To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.”
Description: Paul adapts his approach to reach different people effectively.
Interpretation: This verse demonstrates the flexibility and commitment required in evangelism to connect with various audiences and lead them to salvation. - Revelation 7:9
“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.”
Description: John sees a vision of a vast multitude of believers from all nations.
Interpretation: This verse offers a glimpse of the ultimate fruit of evangelism—the gathering of believers from every corner of the earth before God’s throne. - Colossians 1:6
“In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you, since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.”
Description: Paul describes the Gospel’s growing impact worldwide.
Interpretation: This verse highlights the expansive and transformative power of the Gospel, bearing fruit and growing globally. - Philippians 4:15
“Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only.”
Description: Paul acknowledges the Philippians’ support of his evangelistic work.
Interpretation: This verse reflects the partnership and support necessary for effective evangelism, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in spreading the Gospel. - 1 Thessalonians 2:13
“And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.”
Description: Paul praises the Thessalonians for accepting the Gospel as the Word of God.
Interpretation: This verse highlights the powerful effect of receiving the Gospel as divine truth, leading to transformative work in the lives of believers. - Acts 19:20
“In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.”
Description: The Gospel message spreads and grows in influence.
Interpretation: This verse illustrates the dynamic and powerful expansion of the Gospel, emphasizing its growing impact and influence in the world. - 2 Timothy 2:10
“Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.”
Description: Paul endures hardships for the sake of those chosen for salvation.
Interpretation: This verse reflects the sacrificial nature of evangelism and the commitment to enduring challenges for the ultimate goal of bringing others to eternal glory.