Evangelism did not begin in the New Testament. It has deep roots in the Old Testament. God consistently called His people to proclaim His truth to others. Prophets served as His messengers, urging nations to repent and return to Him. Their mission was not only for Israel but also for surrounding nations. These prophetic acts show that God’s concern for the lost existed from the beginning. Evangelism in the Old Testament often took the form of bold warnings, powerful visions, and direct calls to repentance. This article highlights 15 clear examples where evangelism was at the heart of prophetic ministry.
Introduction to Evangelism in the Old Testament
Evangelism in the Old Testament was direct, urgent, and often uncomfortable. It was not always about preaching to large crowds. Sometimes it came through confrontation, symbolic acts, or personal suffering. The prophets were chosen by God to speak His truth. Their message was for individuals, kings, and entire nations.
Unlike modern evangelism, which often emphasizes persuasion and invitation, Old Testament evangelism focused on warning, judgment, and the need for repentance. Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel were not popular. Their messages were often rejected. But their goal was clear: call people back to God.
Evangelism in the Old Testament was not limited to Israel. Prophets were also sent to foreign nations like Nineveh and Babylon. God’s heart was always for all people to know Him. These prophetic examples show how God used ordinary men to deliver extraordinary messages. Through their obedience, we see that evangelism has always been part of God’s plan.
Prophetic Examples of Evangelism in the Old Testament
#1. Jonah 1–4
“Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: ‘Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.’”
— Jonah 3:1–2
Jonah was commanded to preach to Nineveh, a foreign and wicked city. At first, he refused. He ran from God, but God brought him back. When Jonah finally obeyed, his message was simple: judgment is coming. Surprisingly, the people of Nineveh believed God. They repented, and God spared them. This shows that God’s message is for all nations, not just Israel. It also shows that even reluctant messengers can be used by God in evangelism.
#2. Isaiah 6, 55
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’”
— Isaiah 6:8
Isaiah responded willingly to God’s call. He was sent to a people who would not listen. Yet he still preached. In Isaiah 55, he invites all to come and seek the Lord. This open invitation shows God’s desire for people to turn to Him. Evangelism sometimes means speaking even when people will not respond. Faithfulness in the message matters more than the results.
#3. 1 Kings 18
“Elijah went before the people and said, ‘How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.’”
— 1 Kings 18:21
Elijah confronted Israel during a time of deep idolatry. On Mount Carmel, he challenged the prophets of Baal. The showdown ended with fire from heaven, proving that the Lord is God. The people fell on their faces and acknowledged God. Elijah’s boldness was evangelism in action. He called the nation back to faith. This account shows that evangelism can be public, confrontational, and dramatic.
#4. Jeremiah 1, 7
“Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.
— Jeremiah 1:8
Jeremiah was called from a young age. He was tasked with preaching to a rebellious people. His words in chapter 7 cut deep, as he warned against trusting in the temple while living in sin. Jeremiah wept over the people, but he still delivered God’s truth. Evangelism sometimes includes grief and rejection. Jeremiah’s example shows the emotional cost of speaking truth, even when no one listens.
#5. Ezekiel 2–3, 37
“Whether they listen or fail to listen — for they are a rebellious people — they will know that a prophet has been among them.”
— Ezekiel 2:5
Ezekiel’s calling included eating a scroll and delivering hard messages. He was told in advance that people would not listen. Still, he had to speak. In chapter 37, Ezekiel prophesied to dry bones, and life returned. This vision points to spiritual renewal. Evangelism, like prophesying to dry bones, may seem hopeless, but God brings life. The prophet’s role is to speak faithfully, regardless of response.
#6. Micah 6:6–8
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
— Micah 6:8
Micah confronted people who thought religious rituals were enough. He reminded them that God wants justice, mercy, and humility. His message was simple but powerful. It was evangelistic in nature—calling people to true faith, not empty ceremony. Evangelism is not always dramatic. Sometimes, it is a clear reminder of what God truly requires.
#7. 2 Samuel 12
“You are the man!” Nathan said to David.
— 2 Samuel 12:7
Nathan’s confrontation of King David after his sin with Bathsheba was personal and bold. He told a parable and then revealed David’s guilt. David repented. This is evangelism in close quarters. It’s not public preaching but private truth-telling. Nathan’s courage led to David’s repentance. Evangelism includes speaking truth to power with clarity and conviction.
#8. Amos 5:14–15
“Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you.”
— Amos 5:14
Amos preached during a time of prosperity and corruption. He called the people to seek good and reject evil. His words were urgent. They pointed to life or death. Evangelism is not always about new converts. Sometimes it’s about calling the religious back to genuine faith. Amos shows that speaking against injustice is part of evangelism.
#9. Hosea 1–3
“Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her, for like an adulterous wife this land is guilty of unfaithfulness to the Lord.”
— Hosea 1:2
Hosea’s life was a living message. His marriage to Gomer symbolized God’s love for an unfaithful people. Through personal pain, Hosea showed that God still seeks the lost. His story is evangelism through action. It teaches that God pursues sinners with relentless love. Even when people reject Him, He calls them back.
#10. Malachi 3–4
“Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty.
— Malachi 3:7
Malachi called the people to return to God. He exposed their religious apathy, corrupt worship, and broken relationships. His message pointed to a coming judgment but also a hope for those who fear the Lord. Evangelism includes calling out sin and offering a path to restoration. Malachi’s words are a final push toward repentance before the New Testament begins.
#11. Nehemiah 8
“They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read.”
— Nehemiah 8:8
Ezra and the Levites read and explained Scripture to the people. The people wept, realizing their disobedience. But they were also encouraged to rejoice and obey. This was evangelism through teaching. It shows the power of God’s Word to convict and transform. Evangelism includes helping people understand Scripture clearly.
#12. Zechariah 1:1–6
“Return to me,” declares the Lord Almighty, “and I will return to you.”
— Zechariah 1:3
Zechariah opened his message with a call to return to God. He reminded the people of their ancestors’ failure to listen to the prophets. His warning was clear: don’t repeat their mistakes. Zechariah’s message shows that evangelism includes learning from the past. It is a call to change while there is still time.
#13. Habakkuk 2:1–4
“But the righteous person will live by his faithfulness.”
— Habakkuk 2:4
Habakkuk wrestled with God’s justice. He stood on the watchtower, waiting for God’s answer. The answer was that the proud would fall, but the righteous would live by faith. This message was not only for Israel, but for all who trust in God. Evangelism includes pointing to faith as the way to life, especially when the world seems unjust.
#14. Daniel 3
“The God we serve is able to deliver us… But even if he does not, we want you to know… we will not serve your gods.”
— Daniel 3:17–18
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow to the golden image. Their stand for God led to a public miracle. The king praised their God. Their witness was bold and faithful. Evangelism here was through action and conviction. It showed the power of standing firm in the face of pressure.
#15. Joel 2:28–32
“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people… And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
— Joel 2:28, 32
Joel prophesied a future time when God’s Spirit would be poured out. This passage is quoted in Acts 2 during Pentecost. It points to salvation being available to all who call on the Lord. This is evangelism with a future hope. It connects the Old and New Testaments and shows God’s plan to reach the whole world.
Biblical Lesson From These Examples
#1. Faithfulness in Obedience
Many prophets obeyed God even when the task was hard. Jonah resisted at first, but eventually went. Isaiah said, “Here am I. Send me.” Jeremiah and Ezekiel were warned that people wouldn’t listen, yet they still spoke. Their example teaches that obedience in evangelism doesn’t depend on the response of others. It depends on doing what God asks. Evangelism is not about personal success but about being faithful with God’s message. These stories show that obedience to God’s call matters most, even when the path is painful or unclear.
#2. Courage in Proclaiming God’s Word
Speaking God’s truth often brought rejection, danger, or isolation. Elijah stood alone against hundreds of false prophets. Nathan risked confronting King David. Jeremiah was imprisoned. Still, they spoke boldly. Courage is vital in evangelism. God’s messengers must be willing to tell the truth, even to those who may resist or react with hostility. These prophets remind us that boldness comes from trusting God, not from relying on approval from others.
#3. God’s Sovereignty Over Nations
God sent messages not only to Israel but also to other nations. Jonah went to Nineveh. Daniel influenced Babylon. Joel spoke of a future where all people could be saved. Evangelism in the Old Testament was not limited by borders. It shows that God rules over all nations and wants all people to know Him. God’s sovereignty reminds us that evangelism is part of His global plan. We speak, but He moves hearts.
#4. Repentance and Restoration
Many prophetic messages called people to repent. When they did, God forgave them. Nineveh turned from sin, and God spared the city. David repented after Nathan confronted him, and God restored him. Malachi, Hosea, and others also called for repentance. Evangelism is not just about warning. It’s also about offering the chance to return to God. The goal is restoration. These examples show that no one is beyond God’s mercy when they turn back to Him.
#5. The Power of Prophetic Witness
Prophets used their words, actions, and even their lives to bear witness to God. Hosea’s marriage, Ezekiel’s visions, and Daniel’s loyalty were all part of their message. Sometimes evangelism means living in a way that points others to God. These examples show that how we live matters as much as what we say. Prophetic witness is powerful when it combines truth with visible faithfulness. Evangelism is not just a message—it’s also a life lived for God.
Closing Thoughts
The Old Testament is rich with examples of evangelism through prophetic witness. These prophets were not perfect, but they were chosen to deliver God’s message. Their stories show that evangelism is not just a New Testament concept. It has always been part of God’s plan to call people to Himself. Whether through preaching, confrontation, symbolic acts, or faithful living, the message was clear: return to God. These prophetic voices remind us that evangelism requires obedience, courage, and a heart aligned with God’s purpose. Their legacy continues to guide and challenge us today.