Do the work of an evangelist

Bible Reading: 2 Timothy 4
2 Timothy 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Timothy was a younger man than Paul. He met him in Lystra on his second missionary journey. Paul took Timothy with him and trained him as they traveled and preached. Later, Paul asked Timothy to stay at Ephesus and lead the church there because he was concerned about false doctrine (1 Timothy 1:3).

Later Paul wrote 2 Timothy from prison to encourage Timothy. There he tells him to do the work of an evangelist. In our day, we have those who have evangelistic ministries and are called 'evangelists'. What is the work of an evangelist?

What did Paul mean when he wrote these words to Timothy? The first mention of the word 'evangelist' is in Acts:

Acts 21:8 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

We can study the life of Philip and we learn that God used him to preach the gospel in Samaria and to lead the Ethiopian Eunuch to Christ (Acts 8). So we can say that an evangelist is a preacher who preaches Christ where he is not know.

The next mention of 'evangelist' is in Ephesians:

Ephesians 4:11-12 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.

Evangelists also work to perfect the saints for the work of ministry. Christian maturity means that you are growing in ministry. A true evangelist not only preaches Christ where he is not known, but also works with the church to perfect them in the work of evangelism.

The third and last mention of the term 'evangelist' is here in 2 Timothy. Please notice there is not gift of evangelism in the New Testament. Yes, there are evangelists, but the work of evangelism belongs to all the church. Evangelists lead us in this work and equip us to be better at the work of evangelism.

Please don't fall into the trap of thinking evangelism is the work of the evangelists. They are gifted to help all saints to take part in this Great Commission work.

How long has it been since you talked with someone about faith in Jesus Christ?

Let's do it today!

In Christ,
Rody