53 Important Bible Verses About Evangelism

Why should Christians dedicate more time and effort to evangelism? Isn't evangelism for the pastor, church leaders, or people who have been called into evangelism?

There are over 2 billion Christians and millions of churches, but few Christians purpose to evangelize. According to Matthew 28:18–20, all born again God expects Christians to preach the gospel of Christ to non-believers.

By evangelizing, people repent and therefore do not perish- which is God's plan. Also, by evangelizing, people who had no prior knowledge of the gospel come into terms with it. Finally, in the same way the gospel found us, we should also do the same for others.

Prayer for Evangelists:

Lord, I pray that you will charge me to reach out to unbelievers, sowing seeds and reaping as guided by your Holy Spirit. As a worker in your field, I present myself ready to harvest, and may your Holy Spirit show me the things to say. Lead me to where you have called. This I pray in faith. Amen.

How about 53 Bible verses to guide you on evangelism, winning souls, and going out on missions? Here is a list of these Bible verses:

1. Psalms 105:1 KJV

O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.

In the Old Testament, God sets out to show that He is above all gods. He creates Israel so that the people may make His name and great works known to all nations.

2. Proverbs 11:30 KJV

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

At the time of this Proverb, 'saving lives' was associated with saving people from evil paths that led to destruction. In light of the gospel, it takes up a new form where the righteous's produce is saving lives.

3. Isaiah 6:8 KJV

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

This chapter tells of the prophet seeing a vision of God in His throne room. This vision led him to present himself to share God's message.

4. Isaiah 12:4 KJV

And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.

The book of Isaiah works for the Old and New Testament timeline. Its immediate audience is Judah, but it also shows the Messiah coming who will save Israel and humanity.

5. Isaiah 45:22 KJV

Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.

In this chapter, God directs His words to the surrounding nations, calling them to abandon the worship of idols and instead turn to Him for He is the able God.

6. Ezekiel 3:17-19 KJV

Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

In this Scripture, God tasks prophet Ezekiel to be a 'watchman' for Judah. By doing so, he would communicate God's words and warnings without fail. The severity of the task is made known to him when God points out that by failing to share His warnings for Judah's wickedness, he would also share in the aftermath.

7. Ezekiel 38:23 KJV

Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the Lord.

God stresses to Ezekiel that He wants to use both Israel and the prophets to communicate how awesome He is to all nations.

8. Malachi 1:11 KJV

For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of hosts.

Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament, continues to reiterate God's desire to be known among all nations.

9. Matthew 5:15-16 KJV

Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

In this passage, He reminds His disciples that He did not want to waste His efforts and shouldn't either.

10. Matthew 9:37-38 KJV

Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

In this passage, he gave His disciples a glimpse of the world full of pain and heartbreak. This action forms the ground for the gospel to offer good news to these people.

11. Matthew 11:28 KJV

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

The gospel's benefits aren't confined to the sweet by-and-by. There is immediate relief to the weary and broken.

12. Matthew 28:19-20 KJV

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

These were Jesus' parting words that task every believer to win people into Christ and help them mature in grace and truth.

13. Mark 16:16 KJV

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

This Scripture paints a picture of people's gravity not getting saved and why we should prioritize evangelism.

14. Luke 12:8 KJV

Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God

Another incentive to proclaiming the gospel to the world; Jesus will acknowledge us before God's angels.

15. Luke 12:11-12 KJV

And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

Jesus tells His disciples of the times to come when it would be dangerous to share the gospel. He encourages them that they should not concern themselves with what to say, for the Holy Spirit will work on their behalf.

16. John 3:16-17 KJV

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

The gospel is a message of God's love for humanity that drove Him to make the ultimate sacrifice to have them reconciled to Him.

17. John 13:35 KJV

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

The gospel's most significant fruit, love, is what sets Christianity from other philosophies and religions and proves it's real and its value.

18. Acts 1:8 KJV

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Jesus was telling of the future and of the power that would come through the Holy Spirit and how this power would supercharge the disciple's message as they spread the gospel to all the earth.

19. Acts 13:47 KJV

For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

The first-century Jews could not wrap their heads around the gospel extending beyond Israel, yet God always insisted that it is through them that all nations would be blessed.

20. Acts 20:24 KJV

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

The gravity that drove Paul to share the gospel should charge us to reach out to those around us.

21. Romans 1:16 KJV

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Our attempts at sharing the gospel might make us the center of ridicule, rough treatment, and being made fun of. However, we should not be discouraged because the gospel is potent.

22. Romans 6:23 KJV

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

If it weren't for the gospel, we would have received our wages as people of the world. However, the gospel has saved us from this predicament, and we get to share the gift of everlasting life.

23. Romans 10:10-17 KJV

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 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? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Since God can place the gospel in every person's heart, He doesn't because He wants to involve us.

24. 1 Corinthians 2:1-2 KJV

And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

Paul may come off as an intelligent defender of the gospel, yet, it is encouraging to see that he does not lean on his eloquence or arguments. Instead, he relies on presenting the simple message of Christ and Him crucified.

25. 1 Corinthians 3:6-9 KJV

I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.

Paul was encouraging the church that their role in the harvest was vital whether they get to see the crop or not.

26. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 KJV

For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

Paul shows that he is sensitive to everyone's traditions and experiences and does not wish to insult or confuse them before preaching the gospel.

27. 1 Corinthians 16:7-9 KJV

For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit. But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

In this passage, Paul shows that the Spirit leads him to grounds that require his evangelism even though he would like otherwise.

28. 2 Corinthians 5:20 KJV

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

To fulfill His plan of the world getting reconciled to Him, God urges the church, His diplomats, to represent Him in foreign territory.

29. Galatians 2:7-9 KJV

But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

The early church was faced with this problem: Peter felt called to minister to the Jews and found it hard to reconcile to Paul's calling to minister to the Gentiles. This example shows that God may contact us to specific work that may not be universal to others.

30. Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Paul reminded the church at Ephesus that salvation was not earned through their works, but God's freely given that no one should boast. Furthermore, nobody should boast when they win people to Christ as it is God's work.

31. Colossians 1:28-29 KJV

Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

Paul shows that he wasn't constrained to spreading the gospel only. He also ensured that people would grow into maturity.

32. Colossians 4:2-6 KJV

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Paul gave the church a blueprint of how to conduct effective evangelism: praying for opportunities to share the good news, be watchful and thankful, treat outsiders wisely, take advantage of every opportunity and ensure their speech was full of grace.

33. 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 KJV

Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

Paul knew that the church would feel compelled to lean on words alone when preaching the gospel and reminded them of the power that came with the gospel.

34. 2 Timothy 1:8-9 KJV

Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began

Paul points out to Timothy that his imprisonment or opposition to the gospel shouldn't cause him to be ashamed of spreading the gospel.

35. 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

The process of maturity may be ongoing, but we need to continually submit ourselves to God so that when an opportunity comes our way, we can confidently handle God's word.

36. 2 Timothy 4:5 KJV

But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

This Bible verse was Paul's commission to Timothy as he ended his second letter. Paul wanted to ensure that Timothy wouldn't neglect evangelism even if he had been called a young pastor.

37. 1 Peter 3:15 KJV

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and 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

Peter shines a light on the simplicity of evangelism. It is sharing our hope in Christ gently and respectfully and not arguing with someone until they submit.

38. 2 Peter 3:9 KJV

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Peter shows the Lord's gracious nature in withholding judgment as He wants everyone presented with the opportunity to get saved.

39. Acts 2:38 KJV

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

This verse was a response to the question," What shall we do?" Peter outlined the steps to salvation.

40. 1 Corinthians 1:17 KJV

For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

To Paul, evangelizing was more critical than baptizing though he's not against baptism.

41. Matthew 10:7-14 KJV

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. And when ye come into an house, salute it. And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.

When Jesus sent His disciples out to evangelize, they had a message to preach and the power to back it.

42. Luke 19:10 KJV

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Luke 19:10 was his explanation of why he had come to Zacchaeus, who was deemed a notorious sinner.

43. John 8:24 KJV

I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

The title 'I am' is Jesus' claim to deity, and He was exhorting the Pharisees that if they wanted to be saved from perishing in their sins, they should believe in Jesus.

44. 1 Corinthians 9:16 KJV

For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

To Paul, evangelism was not a matter of personal ambition or choice, but something he had to do.

45. Daniel 12:3 KJV

And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

God regards His people like stars radiating light while those that turn others to righteousness shine brighter.

46. Luke 24:47 KJV

And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

The scriptures had said that the preaching of the gospel would begin in Jerusalem-Isaiah 2:3, Joel 2:32

47. Luke 4:18-19 KJV

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

Jesus was reading from Isaiah 61:1-2 to show that He was the Messiah who had been prophesied long ago.

48. Matthew 7:21-23 KJV

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

In this passage, Jesus was warning people who speak or say things about Jesus, yet they do not mean it, or they do so to fulfill a religious duty.

49. John 4:36-38 KJV

And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.

John the Baptist and Jesus were responsible for sowing the seeds, presenting the disciples with the chance to reap.

50. Proverbs 24:11 KJV

If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain

Proverbs 24:11 could mean saving people that are heading towards death because of their spiritual and moral blindness.

51. Acts 21:8 KJV

And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Cæsarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

Once Phillip was done with evangelizing to the Ethiopian eunuch, he preached in the coastal region, ending up in Caesarea.

52. Romans 15:13 KJV

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

This prayer and blessing are appropriate because when these blessings come upon us, we can live in unity as the Lord calls us to.

53. Psalms 73:28 KJV

But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.

These were Asaph's words declaring that being in the house of God caused him to develop a passion for making known God's works.

Conclusion

Evangelism is not a matter of choice.

It is a command from Jesus. He commissioned us to go out into the world, preaching the good news of His saving power. And just as someone preached the gospel to us that we might be saved, we should also strive to do the same.

I pray that as your purpose to be intentional in evangelizing through reading the word and reaching out to those around you, that the Lord will bestow His blessings upon you. Amen.