The Book of Acts gives clear and powerful examples of evangelism in the early church. It shows how the apostles and early believers shared the gospel in public places, private homes, and foreign lands. Their methods were simple but bold. They preached Christ, called people to repentance, and relied on the Holy Spirit. These stories are not just history. They teach timeless lessons for every believer today. By looking closely at these examples, we can better understand how to witness effectively. This article highlights 15 examples of evangelism in Acts and the biblical lessons we can learn from them.
What Is Evangelism According to Acts?
Evangelism in Acts is the act of proclaiming the good news about Jesus Christ. It involves telling others that Jesus died, rose again, and offers salvation to all who believe. In the Book of Acts, evangelism is not limited to church leaders. Ordinary believers also shared the gospel wherever they went.
Acts shows that evangelism happens in many ways—through preaching, teaching, personal conversations, and public miracles. It always includes a call to repentance and faith in Jesus. The goal is to turn people from sin and bring them into the family of God.
The book also makes it clear that evangelism is done in the power of the Holy Spirit. Believers don’t rely on their own strength. They trust God to guide their words and actions. Evangelism in Acts is bold, Spirit-led, and focused on Jesus.
Examples of Evangelism in Acts
#1. Acts 2:14–41
Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say…” (Acts 2:14, NIV)
This is the first major act of evangelism after Jesus’ ascension. Peter stands before a crowd during Pentecost and boldly explains who Jesus is. He quotes Scripture, connects it to Jesus, and calls the people to repent. About 3,000 people accept the message and are baptized. This moment shows that evangelism can be public and direct. It also shows that explaining the gospel clearly leads to real change.
#2. Acts 3:1–26
When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you?…” (Acts 3:12, NIV)
After healing a lame man at the temple gate, Peter uses the opportunity to preach. He doesn’t focus on the miracle. He turns attention to Jesus. He points out their sin, explains Jesus’ death and resurrection, and urges them to repent. Evangelism here begins with action and is followed by explanation. It shows how everyday moments can become gospel moments.
#3. Acts 4:1–22
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people!…” (Acts 4:8, NIV)
Peter and John are arrested for preaching. Even under pressure, they do not back down. They declare that salvation is found in Jesus alone. Their boldness surprises the religious leaders. Though threatened, they continue sharing the gospel. This shows that evangelism doesn’t stop when there is opposition. Faithfulness to the message matters more than comfort.
#4. Acts 8:4–25
Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. (Acts 8:4, NIV)
After persecution breaks out in Jerusalem, believers scatter. But instead of hiding, they preach wherever they go. Philip goes to Samaria and shares the gospel. Many believe, and miracles follow. This passage shows that evangelism is not just for apostles. Every believer plays a role. Persecution does not stop the gospel—it spreads it.
#5. Acts 8:26–40
Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. (Acts 8:35, NIV)
Philip is led by the Holy Spirit to a chariot. Inside is an Ethiopian official reading Isaiah. Philip asks if he understands what he’s reading. When the man says no, Philip explains how the passage points to Jesus. The official believes and is baptized. This is personal, one-on-one evangelism. It’s a reminder that explaining Scripture can lead someone to faith.
#6. Acts 9:1–31
At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. (Acts 9:20, NIV)
After his conversion, Paul immediately begins preaching. He doesn’t wait for years of training. He shares what he now knows to be true—that Jesus is the Son of God. People are shocked because they knew Paul as a persecutor of Christians. His boldness creates conflict, but he keeps preaching. This example shows that evangelism starts with a changed life and a simple message.
#7. Acts 10:9–48
He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. (Acts 10:42, NIV)
Peter preaches to Cornelius, a Roman centurion. This moment is key because it marks the gospel reaching non-Jews. Peter explains Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. As he speaks, the Holy Spirit falls on the Gentiles. This shows that evangelism crosses cultural and religious lines. God wants all people to hear and believe.
#8. Acts 13:1–52
“Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.” (Acts 13:38, NIV)
Paul and Barnabas are sent out on their first missionary journey. They preach in synagogues, showing how Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecy. Many accept the message, but others reject it. Paul makes it clear that the gospel will now go to the Gentiles too. This shows how evangelism must be both scriptural and bold, even when rejected.
#9. Acts 17:16–34
“Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.” (Acts 17:23, NIV)
In Athens, Paul speaks to philosophers at the Areopagus. He notices their altar to an unknown god and uses it to explain the gospel. He talks about creation, repentance, and the resurrection. Some mock him, others want to hear more, and a few believe. This example shows how evangelism can begin by connecting with people’s existing beliefs and pointing them to the truth.
#10. Acts 18:1–18
Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. (Acts 18:5, NIV)
In Corinth, Paul stays for a long time and preaches regularly. Some reject him, so he turns to the Gentiles. He keeps teaching despite opposition. Even when afraid, God encourages him in a vision to keep going. This example highlights the need for persistence in evangelism. Not all will accept the message, but we are called to continue sharing.
#11. Acts 20:17–38
“I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.” (Acts 20:21, NIV)
Paul speaks to the elders of the Ephesian church. He reminds them how he served with humility and preached the gospel without holding back. He says he didn’t shrink from declaring anything useful. His evangelism was consistent and thorough. This example shows that faithful teaching includes both truth and tears. Evangelism includes personal investment in people’s lives.
#12. Acts 26:1–32
“I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen—that the Messiah would suffer and… rise from the dead.” (Acts 26:22–23, NIV)
Paul defends himself before King Agrippa. Instead of focusing only on legal matters, he shares his testimony and the gospel. He speaks about his former life, his conversion, and his mission. He ties his story to Scripture. This example shows that even in trials, evangelism is possible. Personal testimony is a powerful tool for witnessing.
#13. Acts 8:4–40
Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. (Acts 8:4, NIV)
This verse summarizes the work of unnamed believers. After Stephen’s death, they flee persecution. But as they go, they preach the gospel. Philip’s work with the Ethiopian eunuch is part of this section too. The message spreads outside Jerusalem. This shows that ordinary believers, not just leaders, can powerfully spread the gospel.
#14. Acts 8:4–25
When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. (Acts 8:14, NIV)
Philip preaches in Samaria, and people believe. Then Peter and John come to confirm and strengthen the work. The Spirit is given, and Simon the sorcerer tries to buy this power. Peter rebukes him, showing that evangelism must stay pure. This example teaches that the gospel must be shared with clarity and guarded from corruption.
#15. Acts 4:32–37
With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 4:33, NIV)
This passage focuses on the community life of believers. But it also shows that the apostles kept preaching the resurrection. Their words were backed by their unity and generosity. The message and the lifestyle matched. This example shows that evangelism is not just about speaking—it’s also about how the church lives together.
Biblical Lessons from Evangelism in Acts
#1. Boldness in Sharing the Gospel
The early believers spoke with courage, even when it meant persecution. Peter preached to crowds and religious leaders without fear. Paul kept witnessing even after beatings and imprisonment. Evangelism in Acts was not passive. It required boldness to speak about Jesus in public, private, and hostile settings. This boldness did not come from personality—it came from conviction. The truth of the gospel compelled them to speak. For believers today, Acts teaches that the gospel must be shared, even when it’s uncomfortable or risky.
#2. The Role of the Holy Spirit
In Acts, the Holy Spirit is central to evangelism. Believers waited for the Spirit before beginning their mission. The Spirit guided Philip to the Ethiopian, filled Peter as he preached, and fell on Cornelius’s household. The Holy Spirit empowers believers, gives the right words, and prepares the hearts of listeners. Evangelism is not just a human effort. It is a spiritual work that depends on God’s guidance. This teaches that prayer and obedience to the Spirit are essential in any effort to share the gospel.
#3. Inclusive Outreach to All People
Evangelism in Acts crosses social, ethnic, and religious boundaries. The gospel is preached to Jews, Samaritans, Gentiles, rich, poor, men, women, and foreigners. Cornelius, a Roman, receives the gospel and the Holy Spirit. The Ethiopian eunuch is baptized. Paul speaks to Greeks in Athens. This shows that no one is excluded from the message of Christ. The church must be willing to reach everyone, not just those who look or think like us. Evangelism must reflect God’s desire for all people to be saved.
#4. Perseverance Amid Opposition
From the start, evangelism in Acts faced resistance. Peter and John were arrested. Stephen was killed. Paul was beaten, jailed, and mocked. Yet the believers did not stop preaching. They saw persecution as part of the mission. They continued with prayer, unity, and courage. This teaches that evangelism is not always easy. Rejection and hardship are normal. What matters is staying faithful to the task. Perseverance is a mark of true gospel work.
#5. The Power of Testimony and Miracles
Many evangelistic moments in Acts begin with a miracle or a personal story. Peter heals the lame man. Paul shares his conversion story before kings. The miraculous signs open the door for the message. But the focus always returns to Jesus. Testimonies and miracles support the gospel—they don’t replace it. This teaches that sharing what God has done in our lives is important. When joined with clear gospel truth, personal stories and answered prayers can powerfully point others to Christ.
Closing Thoughts
The Book of Acts is a powerful guide to evangelism. It shows how the early church shared the gospel with boldness, clarity, and faith. From public preaching to personal conversations, every example points to Jesus. The believers relied on the Holy Spirit, endured opposition, and reached out to all people. Their lives matched their message. Today, the same principles apply. Evangelism is not reserved for a few—it is the calling of every believer. By learning from Acts, we are better equipped to share the good news in our own time and place.