What is Evangelism?

What is Evangelism?

Written by Rev. Tay Piak Kheng 20 July 2025

     Evangelism is generally understood as the role of evangelists who preach the Gospel at a public platform, such as a pulpit or a Gospel rally. The Greek word in the Bible for such public preaching is kérussó, which is translated as to preach or to proclaim. For example, Paul kérussó Jesus in every synagogue he entered during his missionary trips.

     The Bible uses the Greek word euaggelizó to describe individual believers telling the people around them about the Gospel. For example, the angels said to the shepherds in the fields outside Bethlehem: “Do not be afraid. I euaggelizó you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” (Lk 2:10)

     Acts 8:35 says that Philip euaggelizó the Ethiopian Eunuch the good news.

     In Acts 8:4, after Stephen was martyred, “those who had been scattered euaggelizó the word wherever they went.”

     Clearly, Euaggelizó, which is translated as “evangelism,” refers explicitly to personal evangelism and is undoubtedly the primary way God expects the church to carry out the Great Commission.

     Personal evangelism comes in two dimensions. One is to share the Gospel with words; the other is by our living, which should precede the first. You see, our ‘success’ in the world often draws more jealousy than admiration; But when people see that we did not lose heart in the face of failure nor grumble while suffering, and we can regain our foothold after a stumble, they would be curious and eager to know the source of our strength. Peter said that it is the time for us to tell them the Gospel, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (1Peter 3:15)

     In Acts chapter 8, when the Jewish religious authority started to persecute Christians openly, most believers chose to forgo their homes in Judea instead of forsaking their faith in Jesus. Neither did they keep silent in the new homes. They continue to euaggelizó! Dear brothers and sisters, God sent the Holy Spirit to empower every believer to euaggelizó. Though not everyone is given the gift to proclaim from a public platform, every one of us has the power and numerous opportunities to engage in personal evangelism every day. The Lord said that His Kingdom would come in great power after his ascension (Mk 9:1). We are living in that time now! So, let us step out of our comfort zone and euaggelizó to the people around us as the early Christians did tirelessly!