Evangelist (εύαγγελιστής)

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 10
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One who evangelizes, or preaches the glad tidings of the grace of God unto salvation. Such are included among the gifts from the ascended Lord (Eph. 4:1111And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (Ephesians 4:11)). Philip is the only one so called in the New Testament (Acts 21:88And 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. (Acts 21:8)), though doubtless there were many others who were true evangelists. Paul said, “Woe unto me if I preach not the gospel.” He was the apostle to whom an especial administration was entrusted, to evangelize Jesus as the Son of God among the Gentiles. Timothy was exhorted to do the work of an evangelist though he had other gifts (2 Tim. 4:55But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. (2 Timothy 4:5)). Though there was and is an especial gift to some to proclaim the gospel, we read of others who helped to spread the good news, as when there was persecution at Jerusalem, all were scattered abroad except the apostles, and they went everywhere “announcing” the glad tidings of, or evangelizing, the word (Acts 8:44Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. (Acts 8:4)); and Paul speaks of some women who “labored with him in the gospel” (Phil. 4:33And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlaborers, whose names are in the book of life. (Philippians 4:3)); this they could have done in various ways without preaching publicly.