1 Timothy 4:12-16
Introduction:
1. The third group of subordinates working under Christ’s headship is the evangelists.
2. 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus offer most of the pertinent information we need to understand this function in the church.
Discussion:
I. Key Terms
A. Two terms are central to this discussion:
1. Keruka: “a herald or messenger…who conveyed the official messages of kings, magistrates, princes, etc., gave a public summons or demand…in the NT, God’s ambassador… proclaimer of the divine word” (Thayer; Romans 10:14; 1 Timothy 2:7; 2 Timothy 1:11; 2 Peter 2:5)
2. Euangellistes: “to bring or announce good news; proclaim the divine message of salvation, proclaim the gospel (Mounce): related to the term gospel (euangellion) and preach/preaching (euangellizo)
B. In short, evangelists herald the edicts and good news of King Jesus.
II. Their Function
A. Broadly speaking, all Christians are evangelists (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 8:4).
B. But evangelists have a specific role (Acts 21:8; Ephesians 4:11; 2 Timothy 4:5).
1. Preach to win new converts (Acts 8:5-13, 26-39; Romans 10:14-17)
2. Assist congregations as they strive to become fully organized (Titus 1:5)
3. Assist in the general care of the congregation (1 Timothy 5-6)
4. Confront error (1 Timothy 1:3-11, 18-20; 4:1-8; 2 Timothy 2:25; 4:1-5; Titus 2:15)
5. Promote truth (1 Timothy 4:13-16; 2 Timothy 2:2; 4:1-5; Titus 2:1-6)
6. This is all part of equipping the saints to minister (Ephesians 4:11ff)
C. Due to the scope of responsibility, God authorized financially supporting evangelists to preach (1 Corinthians 9:9-14; Galatians 6:6).
D. Though scarcely stated or practiced, this is true of elders as well (1 Timothy 5:17-18).
III. Their Character
A. For better or worse, evangelists influence the spiritual lives of many.
B. For this, demands for exemplary faithfulness saturate these letters (1 Timothy 4:12, 16; 5:22; 6:11-14; 2 Timothy 1:13; 2:15; Titus 2:7-8).
C. They must be courageous (1 Timothy 4:12; 2 Timothy 4:2-5; Titus 1:13; 2:15).
D. And they must be driven by pure love (Matthew 22:36-40; 1 Timothy 1:5; 2 Timothy 2:24-26).
Conclusion:
1. These truths highlight the importance of the proclamation, not the proclaimer.
2. The responsibility is great (James 3:1ff; 1 Timothy 4:16).
3. All the glory belongs to the King and His message, never His herald.
Further Food for Thought
1. How does this discussion square with your perception of evangelists and their role in the church?
2. Does this in any way alter your expectations or satisfaction for the evangelists in the congregation?
3. How can we help our evangelists be more effective in light of their duties?