The Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines evangelism as “The promulgation of the gospel.” Evangelizing requires strong faith, a great deal of courage, and conviction in the promise of God’s Word. It is made easier and more effective with evangelism courses and online training, as well as specialized resources, Christian evangelism books, tools like evangelist tracts. The internet has helped to democratize Biblical evangelism through the use of social media and virtual communication mediums (think Zoom) as well. The Book of Acts is the fifth book in the Bible’s New Testament. Known commonly as the Acts of the Apostles, it continues Luke’s Gospel written by the same author. This is also referred to as the Act of the Holy Spirit because it recorded the Holy Spirit baptism, which was given to early Christians to be effective witnesses in sharing The Gospel. Luke described how the church expanded from a small number of them at the start. The book’s final substantial section is Paul’s missionary journey. Although Luke did not describe what happened to Paul at the end of his life, it may be that he intended for readers to know that the church would continue to expand.
The Book of Acts begins after Jesus’ resurrection as He spends 40 days with His disciples leading up to His ascension back into heaven. In every chapter, there is something powerful to learn about evangelism.
With the basics out of the way, our editors decided to compile this resource of evangelism strategies in the Book of Acts, from the King James Bible. We developed a companion resource on what the Bible says about evangelism as well.
Evangelism Strategies in the Book of Acts
Below is a chapter-by-chapter summary of the different evangelism strategies in the Book of Acts:
- Acts 1:12-14: Evangelism comes before a time of prayer.
“Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey. And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.”
- Acts 2:36-38: Evangelism involved powerful public preaching about The Gospel of Jesus Christ.
“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 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.”
- Acts 3:6: Evangelism involves serving others.
“Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.”
- Acts 4:29: Evangelism involves speaking God’s word boldly.
“And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,”
- Acts 5:42: Evangelism involves private and public preaching whenever the opportunity arises.
“And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.”
- Acts 6:1: Evangelism involved daily distribution to the poor.
“And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.”
- Acts 7:59-60: Evangelism involves being willing to lay your life on the line for Christ.
“And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”
- Acts 8:26: Evangelism involved going wherever people are to be found.
“And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.”
- Acts 9:17-18: Evangelism means serving and preaching to all kinds of people.
“And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.”
- Acts 10:1-2: Evangelism means we must obey The Gospel.
“There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.”
- Acts 11:14: Evangelism means sharing words that will bring others to salvation.
“Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.”
- Acts 12:12: Evangelism means praying for workers.
“And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.”
- Acts 13:2-3: Evangelism means sending out workers.
“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”
- Acts 14:23: Evangelism involves good leadership.
“And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.”
- Acts 15:6: Evangelism grows out of being able to settle conflict.
“And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.”
- Acts 16:25: Evangelism involves keeping the right attitude.
“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.”
- Acts 17:11-12: Evangelism involves studying and preaching God’s Word.
“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.”
- Acts 18:9: Evangelism involves speaking God’s message fearlessly and with love.
“Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:”
- Acts 19:26-27: Evangelism means opposing all religious error.
“Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.”
- Acts 20:27: Evangelism means preaching the full wisdom of God.
“For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.”
- Acts 21:13: Evangelism grows out of deep commitment to God and to the lost.
“Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
- Acts 22:21: Evangelism thrives when we realize we are sent by God.
“And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.”
- Acts 23:6: Evangelism finds its foundation in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.”
- Acts 24:25: Evangelism involves reasoning about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come.
“And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.”
- Acts 25:19: Evangelism is preaching that Jesus is alive, both in word and action.
“But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.”
- Acts 26:28: Evangelism is teaching the importance of giving one’s life to Christ.
“Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.”
- Acts 27:23-25: Evangelism involves faith in God.
“For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.”
- Acts 28:31: Evangelism involves preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern Jesus.
“Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.”
Final Thought
As you pray and study through this topic, consider each of the evangelism techniques in the Book of Acts. Like in all things, Christians look to The Scriptures for guidance, and Biblical evangelism should be no different.
NOW READ: Evangelism Methods, Strategies, and Techniques Compared
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