Evangelism is central to the message of the New Testament. It shows how the gospel was shared across cities, cultures, and generations. The early church grew through bold preaching, personal testimony, and Spirit-led action. From Jesus’ final command to the missionary journeys of Paul, the New Testament records many examples of spreading the good news. These stories are not just history—they are models for believers today. They reveal key principles for reaching others with the message of Christ. This article looks at 15 clear examples of evangelism in the New Testament and what they teach us about sharing the gospel.
Key Examples of Evangelism in the New Testament
#1. Matthew 28:18–20
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”
— Matthew 28:18–20 (NIV)
This is known as the Great Commission. It is Jesus’ final instruction to His disciples before ascending to heaven. He commands them to go, make disciples, baptize, and teach. This is the foundation of New Testament evangelism.
Evangelism here is not optional. It is a clear directive. The focus is on going to all nations, showing that the gospel is for everyone. The promise of Jesus’ presence gives strength to those who obey this call. This example sets the tone for the rest of the New Testament. Evangelism is a mission given by Jesus Himself.
#2. Acts 2
“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’ … Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”
— Acts 2:38, 41 (NIV)
Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost is the first major act of evangelism by the early church. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter boldly preaches about Jesus’ death and resurrection.
This event shows the power of Spirit-filled preaching. Peter speaks directly, calls for repentance, and offers hope. Thousands respond. This moment marks the birth of the church and shows that evangelism leads to growth when the message is clear and empowered by God.
#3. 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 meets an Ethiopian official reading Isaiah. He explains the Scripture and shares the gospel. The man believes and is baptized immediately.
This example highlights personal evangelism. Philip is guided by the Spirit to a specific person. He starts where the man is—confused and seeking truth—and leads him to Christ. Evangelism here is one-on-one, Scripture-based, and Spirit-led.
#4. Acts 13–28
“The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.”
— Acts 13:49 (NIV)
These chapters cover Paul’s missionary journeys. He preaches in cities across the Roman world—synagogues, marketplaces, homes, and prisons. His approach includes debate, persuasion, and endurance.
This extended example shows the strategic and relentless nature of Paul’s evangelism. He adapts his message depending on the audience but keeps the core gospel unchanged. Evangelism is shown as both a calling and a way of life.
#5. Acts 9
“At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.”
— Acts 9:20 (NIV)
After Paul’s conversion, he immediately begins preaching. His message shocks others because he had just been persecuting Christians. But his encounter with Jesus changes everything.
This example shows the transforming power of the gospel. Paul doesn’t wait to be perfect—he begins right away. His story also shows how personal experience with Christ fuels authentic evangelism.
#6. Acts 3
“Then Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.’”
— Acts 3:6 (NIV)
Peter and John heal a lame man at the temple gate. The miracle draws a crowd. Peter then preaches about Jesus’ resurrection and calls the people to repentance.
This shows that acts of compassion can lead to evangelistic moments. The healing opened the door for the gospel. Evangelism here connects physical help with spiritual truth. The message is clear: Jesus saves and transforms.
#7. Acts 4:32–37
“With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all.”
— Acts 4:33 (NIV)
The early believers live in unity and generosity. Their community life supports the apostles’ public preaching. People see the gospel in action through shared possessions and care.
This is evangelism through witness and lifestyle. The resurrection message is spoken boldly, but it is also lived out. The church’s example strengthens their testimony. It shows that how believers live can draw others to Christ.
#8. Acts 4:1–22
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
— Acts 4:12 (NIV)
Peter and John are arrested for preaching about Jesus. Despite threats, they speak boldly before the religious leaders. They refuse to stop proclaiming the gospel.
This shows evangelism in the face of opposition. The apostles are unafraid and unwavering. Evangelism sometimes brings conflict, but boldness and truth must remain. The gospel cannot be silenced, even under pressure.
#9. Acts 16:11–15
“The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.”
— Acts 16:14 (NIV)
Paul meets Lydia by a river outside Philippi. She is a worshiper of God, and she listens as Paul speaks. God opens her heart, and she and her household are baptized.
This is another example of personal, Spirit-led evangelism. Paul goes where people are gathered. He speaks, and God does the work of opening hearts. Evangelism here is simple but powerful.
#10. Revelation 1–3
“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
— Revelation 2:7 (NIV)
Jesus speaks messages to seven churches. He affirms, warns, and calls them to repentance. These letters are both prophetic and evangelistic.
This is evangelism directed toward believers and church communities. It shows that evangelism is not only for outsiders. Churches also need to hear and respond to the truth of the gospel continually.
#11. Acts 17:16–34
“For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.”
— Acts 17:23 (NIV)
Paul speaks at the Areopagus in Athens. He addresses philosophers and thinkers. He begins with their culture and points them to the one true God.
This example shows cultural awareness in evangelism. Paul doesn’t start with Scripture but with what his audience already knows. He then moves toward the gospel. Evangelism can adapt its method without changing the message.
#12. Acts 19
“In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.”
— Acts 19:20 (NIV)
Paul teaches in Ephesus for two years. Many turn from magic and idols. Some oppose him, but the gospel continues to spread.
This example shows long-term, consistent evangelism. Paul stays, teaches, and builds up believers. Evangelism includes both public preaching and patient teaching. It takes time, but it produces lasting impact.
#13. 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 says farewell to the Ephesian elders. He reminds them of his ministry, his preaching, and his suffering. He urges them to stay faithful and care for the church.
This is evangelism through leadership and example. Paul’s life backs up his message. Evangelism includes raising up leaders who will carry the mission forward. It is both public and personal.
#14. Acts 26
“So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven.”
— Acts 26:19 (NIV)
Paul defends himself before King Agrippa. He shares his conversion story and explains the gospel clearly. He urges the king to believe.
This is evangelism through personal testimony. Paul uses his story to show the truth of the gospel. He doesn’t just defend himself—he proclaims Christ. Evangelism can happen even in courtrooms and hard situations.
#15. Acts 11:19–30
“The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.”
— Acts 11:21 (NIV)
Believers scattered by persecution begin sharing the gospel in Antioch. Many Gentiles believe. Barnabas and Saul are sent to help disciple them.
This example shows that evangelism spreads through everyday believers. Not just apostles, but ordinary Christians preach the gospel. The church grows through faithful witness during hard times.
Lessons From These Examples of Biblical Evangelism
The New Testament gives us more than stories—it gives us patterns to follow. These 15 examples highlight specific traits that made evangelism effective. Below are five key lessons drawn from these passages.
#1. Boldness in Proclaiming the Gospel
Evangelism in the New Testament often involved boldness. Peter preached openly in Jerusalem right after Pentecost. Paul spoke fearlessly in synagogues, courts, and city centers. Even when threatened or arrested, the apostles did not stop preaching. They declared the gospel without fear. Evangelism today also requires courage. The message of Christ may not always be popular, but it must still be proclaimed. Boldness does not mean being aggressive. It means being confident and clear. The early church showed us that bold preaching, backed by truth and conviction, is essential for sharing the gospel.
#2. Guidance by the Holy Spirit
Many evangelistic moments in the New Testament were guided by the Holy Spirit. Philip was told by an angel and then led by the Spirit to meet the Ethiopian eunuch. Paul was often directed where to go—and where not to go. The Spirit played a central role in the spread of the gospel. Effective evangelism is not just about planning. It’s about listening. The Spirit opens hearts, leads conversations, and gives words to speak. Evangelism becomes powerful when believers are sensitive to the Spirit’s direction and obedient to His prompting.
#3. Inclusion of Diverse People
The gospel was shared with Jews, Gentiles, rich, poor, men, women, and people from many regions. Lydia was a businesswoman. The Ethiopian official was a foreigner. Cornelius was a Roman centurion. Paul spoke to philosophers in Athens. Evangelism in the New Testament crossed cultural and social lines. This teaches us that the gospel is for everyone. No one is beyond its reach. Evangelism today must reflect that same openness. It should not be limited to people who look or think like us. The church grows when all kinds of people are welcomed and reached.
#4. Perseverance Through Persecution
Evangelism often brought hardship. Peter and John were arrested. Stephen was killed. Paul was beaten, imprisoned, and constantly opposed. Yet none of them stopped preaching. They kept going, even when it was costly. This shows that perseverance is part of evangelism. Sharing the gospel may not always be easy. There may be rejection or even hostility. But the message is worth the cost. The early church didn’t back down. They trusted God and continued their mission. Their example calls modern believers to be faithful, even when it’s difficult.
#5. Power of Personal Testimony
Paul frequently shared his story of encountering Jesus. His testimony was simple and powerful. It helped him connect with kings, crowds, and fellow believers. Testimonies in Acts were not emotional speeches—they were clear accounts of transformation. Personal stories are still effective today. People may argue with theology, but they can’t deny a changed life. Sharing what Jesus has done in a person’s life can open hearts. The New Testament shows that evangelism is not only for experts or leaders. Anyone who has met Christ has a story worth sharing.
Closing Thoughts
The New Testament provides powerful examples of evangelism that are still relevant today. From public preaching to personal conversations, from boldness to Spirit-led action, these stories reveal how the gospel spread and transformed lives. Evangelism is not limited to pastors or missionaries—it is the calling of every believer. By following the patterns set in Scripture, the church today can continue the mission that began in the first century. Whether through words, actions, or personal testimony, the message of Jesus must be shared. The New Testament shows us how—and reminds us why it matters.