Quotes About Evangelism

Quotes about evangelism from throughout Christian History.

How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.
This is Ethiopia.

Ignatius of Antioch, A.D. 107 - 116

Pray without ceasing on behalf of everyone. For in them there is hope of repentance so that they may attain to God. Permit them, then, to be instructed by your works, if in no other way. Be meek in response to their wrath, humble in opposition to their boasting; to their blasphemies return your prayers; in contrast to their error be steadfast in the faith; and for their cruelty display your gentleness. While we take care not to imitate their conduct, let us be found their brothers in all true kindness. (Letter to the Ephesians 10)

Justin Martyr, c. A.D. 150

He has exhorted us to lead all men, by patience and gentleness, from shame and the love of evil. And this indeed is proved in the case of many who once were of your way of thinking, but have changed their violent and tyrannical disposition, being overcome either by the constancy which they have witnessed in their neighbors’ lives, or by the extraordinary forbearance they have observed in their fellow travelers when defrauded, or by the honesty of those with whom they have transacted business. (First Apology 16)

If we persuade even a few, our gain will be very great; for, as good husbandmen, we shall receive the reward from the Master. (First Apology 44)

Clement of Alexandria, c. A.D. 190

Let us haste, let us run, my fellow men—us, who are God-loving and God-like images of the Word—let us haste, let us run, let us take his yoke, let us receive, to conduct us to immortality, the good charioteer of men. Let us love Christ. (Exhortation to the Heathen 12)

Matthew Henry (d. 1714)

It is our duty not to not only hold fast, but to hold forth the Word of life; not only to hold fast for our own benefit, but to hold it forth for the benefit of others, to hold it forth as the candlestick holds forth the candle, which makes it appear to advantage all around, or as the luminaries of the heavens, which shed their influences far and wide. (unknown)

Robert Moffat (d. 1883)

I have seen, at different times, the smoke of a thousand villages—villages whose people are without Christ, without God, and without hope in the world.

D.L. Moody (d. 1899)

I like my way of doing evangelism better than your way of not doing evangelism.

H.A. Ironside (d. 1951)

God is not looking for brilliant men, is not depending upon eloquent men, is not shut up to the use of talented men in sending His Gospel out in the world. God is looking for the broken men who have judged themselves in the light of the Cross of Christ. When He wants anything done, He takes up men who have come to the end of themselves, whose confidence is not in themselves, but in God. (Thank you to John the Baptist TV, whose Revival List regularly provides great historical quotes. Please note that I do NOT endorse—in other words, I REJECT—MOST of what is on that email list except what's historical.)