What does it mean to do the work of an evangelist (2 Timothy 4:5)?

Answer

In Christian ministry, the role of an evangelist holds significance. For this reason, the apostle Paul urges Timothy to “always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” «But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. », (2 Timothy 4:5, ESV). To grasp the meaning of “doing the work of an evangelist,” let us explore various passages in the New Testament.

In essence, evangelism involves proclaiming the gospel. Jesus commissioned His disciples as evangelists when He directed them to “go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” «And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. », (Mark 16:15, ESV). An evangelist, therefore, is someone who shares the transformative message of Jesus Christ—His life, death, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). However, evangelists do more than convey information. They also emphasize the necessity to “repent and believe in the gospel” «and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. », (Mark 1:15, ESV).

Evangelism naturally leads to teaching and discipleship. In Matthew 28:19–20, often known as the Great Commission, Jesus instructs His disciples to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (ESV). Therefore, an evangelist plays a role in building up the body.

of Christ through teaching and discipleship: “He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-13; ESV).

In 2 Corinthians 6:4–10, Paul describes the hardships that he endured, including beatings and imprisonments. Despite these hardships, Paul never gave up: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” «I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: », (2 Timothy 4:7). Hence, an evangelist is called to “endure suffering” «But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. », (2 Timothy 4:5), allowing the Holy Spirit to work in and through him: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” «Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. », (James 1:12).

An evangelist should “always be sober-minded” «But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. », (2 Timothy 4:5, ESV). Sober-mindedness suggests personal integrity: “Set the believers an example in

Speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” «Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. », (1 Timothy 4:12). The reason evangelists should set an example for others is that the credibility of the gospel is often assessed by the character of those who proclaim it. Therefore, an evangelist must strive for holiness and righteousness: “Let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ” «Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; », (Philippians 1:27, ESV).

The command to “fulfill your ministry” «But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. », (2 Timothy 4:5, ESV) is both weighty and rewarding. Evangelism encompasses various responsibilities: leadership, pastoral care, and community involvement. In Acts 6:1–4, for instance, the apostles emphasize the importance of balancing the ministry of the Word with the needs of the community. An evangelist is someone who maintains this balance, aiming to build up the body of Christ and advance the kingdom of God.