from εὐαγγελίζω; a preacher of the gospel:--evangelist.
Transliteration:euangelistḗs
Pronunciation:yoo-ang-ghel-is-tace'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun εὐαγγελιστής (euangelistḗs, `{{G2099}}`) is derived from the verb εὐαγγελίζω (euangelizō, `{{G2097}}`), meaning "to proclaim good news" or "to evangelize." At its core, εὐαγγελιστής denotes one who is a "preacher of the gospel" or an "evangelist." The term is intrinsically linked to εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion, `{{G2098}}`), the "good news" itself, which in the New Testament context refers specifically to the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. The semantic range of εὐαγγελιστής is quite focused, referring to an individual whose primary function or gifting is the public proclamation of this saving message, often to those who have not yet heard or believed. It implies an active, outward-focused communication of the foundational truths of the Christian faith.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term εὐαγγελιστής appears only three times in the New Testament, yet each instance provides significant insight into its role and nature:
1. **[[Acts 21:8]]**: Here, Philip is explicitly called "Philip the evangelist." This designation is highly descriptive of his ministry, as detailed in earlier chapters. Following the persecution in Jerusalem, Philip went down to Samaria and "proclaimed to them the Christ" ([[Acts 8:5]]), leading to many conversions and baptisms. He also famously proclaimed the gospel to the Ethiopian eunuch ([[Acts 8:26-40]]), demonstrating a clear pattern of cross-cultural, initial proclamation of the good news. This verse confirms εὐαγγελιστής as a recognized title or function within the early church.
2. **[[Ephesians 4:11]]**: In this pivotal passage concerning spiritual gifts and church leadership, Paul states that the ascended Christ "gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers." This places εὐαγγελιστής among a specific set of divinely appointed ministries or offices within the church, crucial for "the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ" ([[Ephesians 4:12]]). This indicates that evangelists are a foundational gift to the church, essential for its growth and maturity.
3. **[[2 Timothy 4:5]]**: Paul exhorts Timothy, "But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." This instruction to Timothy, who was primarily a pastor and teacher, suggests that while εὐαγγελιστής can be a distinct office, the *function* or *work* of evangelism is a responsibility that extends to other ministers, and by extension, perhaps to all believers. It underscores the ongoing necessity for gospel proclamation, even within established churches or by those with different primary roles.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of εὐαγγελιστής is enriched by understanding its lexical family and related theological concepts:
* εὐαγγελίζω (euangelizō, `{{G2097}}`): The verb from which εὐαγγελιστής is derived. It signifies the act of proclaiming the good news, which is the core activity of the evangelist.
* εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion, `{{G2098}}`): The "good news" or "gospel" itself, the content that the evangelist proclaims. This term highlights the Christ-centered message of salvation.
* ἀπόστολος (apostolos, `{{G652}}`): "Apostle." While evangelists proclaim, apostles are "sent ones" with foundational authority, often establishing churches. There can be overlap in their mission to spread the gospel, but their primary functions are distinct.
* προφήτης (prophētēs, `{{G4396}}`): "Prophet." One who speaks forth God's message, often with revelation or exhortation.
* ποιμήν (poimēn, `{{G4166}}`): "Pastor" or "shepherd." One who cares for, guides, and nurtures the flock.
* διδάσκαλος (didaskalos, `{{G1320}}`): "Teacher." One who instructs in doctrine and truth.
* The broader concept of "proclamation" (κηρύσσω, kēryssō, `{{G2784}}`) is fundamental to the evangelist's task, emphasizing the public, authoritative declaration of the gospel.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of εὐαγγελιστής is profound and multi-faceted:
* **Divine Gifting for Church Growth**: The inclusion of evangelists in [[Ephesians 4:11]] as gifts from the ascended Christ underscores their divine appointment and vital role in the expansion of the kingdom. They are instrumental in bringing new converts into the church, thus contributing to the numerical and spiritual growth of the Body of Christ.
* **Outward-Focused Mission**: The evangelist embodies the missionary impulse of the church. Their ministry is inherently outward-focused, reaching beyond the established community of believers to those who are unreached with the gospel. This highlights the church's ongoing mandate to fulfill the Great Commission.
* **Centrality of the Gospel Message**: The very name εὐαγγελιστής emphasizes the preeminence of the "good news" of Jesus Christ. The evangelist is not merely a speaker of general truths but a herald of the specific, saving message of Christ's death, resurrection, and offer of salvation.
* **Specific Office vs. Universal Call**: While εὐαγγελιστής denotes a specific spiritual gift or office, Paul's exhortation to Timothy in [[2 Timothy 4:5]] suggests that the *work* of an evangelist is a broader responsibility. This implies that while some are specially gifted and called as evangelists, all believers and ministers are called to participate in the spread of the gospel according to their capacity and context.
* **Equipping the Saints**: As part of the five-fold ministry, evangelists contribute to the equipping of the saints. By bringing people to faith and demonstrating gospel proclamation, they inspire and enable others to share their faith, fostering a church that is actively engaged in its mission.
### Summary
The term εὐαγγελιστής (euangelistḗs, `{{G2099}}`) designates an "evangelist" or "preacher of the good news," derived from the verb "to evangelize." Though appearing only three times in the New Testament, these occurrences are highly significant. Philip is identified as an evangelist in [[Acts 21:8]], illustrating the practical outworking of this ministry. In [[Ephesians 4:11]], evangelists are listed as one of the essential gifts given by Christ to the church for its edification and growth. Furthermore, [[2 Timothy 4:5]] exhorts Timothy to "do the work of an evangelist," indicating that the function of gospel proclamation is vital for all ministers. Theologically, εὐαγγελιστής highlights the divine appointment of those called to proclaim the saving message of Christ, underscoring the church's outward mission, the centrality of the gospel, and the dual nature of evangelism as both a specific office and a broader call to all believers.
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