What is an…
evangelist in the Bible

Greek: εὐαγγελιστής —transliteration: euaggelistés —meaning: a “publisher of glad tidings” —from εὐαγγέλιον (euaggelion) meaning meaning “good news” or “gospel”

Biblically, this is a missionary preacher of the Gospel (Ephesians 4:11).

This title is applied to Philip (Acts 21:8), who appears to have gone from city to city preaching the word (8:4, 40). Judging from the case of Philip, evangelists had neither the authority of an apostle, nor the gift of prophecy, nor the responsibility of pastoral supervision over a portion of the flock. They were itinerant preachers, having it as their special function to carry the Gospel to places where it was previously unknown.

The writers of the four Gospels are known as the Evangelists—Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

These evangelists were called by God during the early Christian church era and were very important in spreading knowledge of the truth about Jesus Christ and God’s plan of redemption and salvation. They spread the word among the communities of both the Jews and the Gentiles, some traveling to many regions.

All true followers of Jesus Christ are to share the Gospel with others.

Article Version: January 26, 2018

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