New Testament Evangelism “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ” (Acts 5:42)

Our Guide and Standard The New Testament is the Christian’s standard in all matters of doctrine, worship and life. What does the New Testament teach regarding the pattern of Evangelism practiced during the time of the apostles? Are we following that pattern today? (cf. 1 Pet. 4:11; 1 Cor. 4:6)

1 Peter 4:11 “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever.”

1 Corinthians 4:6 “Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other.” We must follow the New Testament pattern in our work of Evangelism

The Book of Acts Apostles were center of the work in the infancy of the church (1-7; cf. 5:42)

Acts 5:42 “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ” Antecedent of “they” is the apostles. cf. verse 29, 34. Nothing systematic, just sharing the gospel wherever they went.

The Book of Acts Apostles were center of the work in the infancy of the church (1-7; cf. 5:42) When the persecution increased, the disciples took up the apostles’ example, and preached as they were scattered (8:1,4)

Acts 8:1,4 “…At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.” “Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.” Again, spontaneous, as men and women, impelled by a sense of obligation, shared the gospel with the lost.

The Book of Acts Apostles were center of the work in the infancy of the church (1-7; cf. 5:42) When the persecution increased, the disciples took up the apostles’ example, and preached as they were scattered (8:1,4) Peter’s preaching (9:32-11:18), and the ministry of Paul (13-28), show the apostles doing the work given them by the Holy Spirit

Acts 11:17-18 “‘If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?’ 18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, ‘Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.’” Holy Spirit led Peter to Cornelius house to preach to the Gentiles.

Acts 14:26-27 “From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they had completed. 27 Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.” Paul and Barnabas reported to the church in Antioch their work.

Evangelism in the Epistles Paul puts the obligation of shedding light on a personal, individual basis (Phil. 2:14-15)

Philippians 2:14-15 you “Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”

Evangelism in the Epistles Paul puts the obligation of shedding light on a personal, individual basis (Phil. 2:14-15) Notice that not just “preachers”, or “missionaries”, but rather “brethren” preached (Phil. 1:14)

Philippians 1:14 “And most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” The brethren were emboldened by the example of Paul

Evangelism in the Epistles Paul puts the obligation of shedding light on a personal, individual basis (Phil. 2:14-15) Notice that not just “preachers”, or “missionaries”, but rather “brethren” preached (Phil. 1:14) Jude exhorted all Christians to contend for the faith (Jude 1,3)

Jude 1, 3 “…To those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ: 3 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” The brethren were emboldened by the example of Paul

Evangelism in the Epistles Paul puts the obligation of shedding light on a personal, individual basis (Phil. 2:14-15) Notice that not just “preachers”, or “missionaries”, but rather “brethren” preached (Phil. 1:14) Jude exhorted all Christians to contend for the faith (Jude 1,3) The New Testament emphasis is individual, and here is where God wants it kept!

Congregational Responsibility Philippian church supported Paul’s evangelistic efforts (Phil. 1:5)

Philippians 1:3-5 “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.” They sent Epaphroditus to him with their “gift”, to minister to his needs.

Congregational Responsibility Philippian church supported Paul’s evangelistic efforts (Phil. 1:5) Paul not “amenable” to church in Philippi, nor did they send him. They “assisted” him in his work. Men who preach deserve to be supported in the work (1 Cor. 9:14)

1 Corinthians 9:14 “Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.” No man who gives himself over to the preaching of God’s word should be made to feel ashamed to “live from the gospel.” Note: Support does not equal “employer/employee” as some seem to think.

Congregational Responsibility Philippian church supported Paul’s evangelistic efforts (Phil. 1:5) Paul not “amenable” to church in Philippi, nor did they send him. They “assisted” him in his work. Men who preach deserve to be supported in the work (1 Cor. 9:14) The Pattern: Churches send directly to the support of preachers (2 Cor. 11:8,9)

2 Corinthians 11:8-9 “I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. 9 And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself.” Paul received support directly from churches. No example of any “sponsoring church” arrangement in scripture.

Summary The emphasis in the New Testament is upon individual, spontaneous preaching to the lost There is nothing in scripture showing that churches are “in charge” of men who are sent to preach… They simply assist men in the work. In every example of such support, the support was sent directly to the evangelist