What Is Evangelism and Witnessing in the Bible — In Biblical Context

The Biblical Context

Witnessing, or evangelism, is the faithful proclamation of the gospel to those who do not know Christ. The word 'witness' translates the Greek 'martys,' from which we get 'martyr.' A witness is someone who testifies to what they have seen and heard, even at the cost of their life. In the Bible, witnessing begins with God Himself. He 'bare witness' to His Son at Jesus' baptism and transfiguration. Jesus commanded His disciples to be witnesses: 'Ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.' This is the pattern of the church's mission — concentric circles spreading from the local community to the ends of the earth. The content of witnessing is the gospel — the good news that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, rose again on the third day, and offers forgiveness and eternal life to all who repent and believe. Paul summarized his own ministry: 'I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.' Every believer is called to witness. Peter wrote that believers should 'be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.' This does not mean every believer must be a preacher or missionary, but every believer must be prepared to share their faith when opportunity arises. Witnessing includes both words and works. Jesus healed and preached, served and taught. The early church demonstrated the gospel through sharing possessions, caring for widows, and living in community. The world saw their love and asked questions. Yet witnessing is never merely lifestyle — it requires verbal proclamation. 'How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?' (Romans 10:14). The ultimate motive for witnessing is love — love for God who commanded it and love for the lost who need it. The greatest crime in the universe is not sinning but refusing to tell sinners that there is a Savior.

Where It Sits in Scripture

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