Here we are looking at evangelism which is not exercised directly by the apostles themselves. Before we do so we need to add a word of caution concerning the way we use this term “evangelism.” If we were being technically pedantic then we might restrict the use of this term to the oral proclamation of the gospel. However, as we shall see, in the book of Acts there are examples showing how people are drawn to belief through being impressed with what they see manifested by the community of believers. In modern parlance “evangelism” is used to embrace modes of behaviour, relationships and particular strategies which do not necessarily involve direct oral communication of the gospel. For example, we speak of lifestyle evangelism, hospitality evangelism and friendship evangelism. Consequently, in considering “evangelism” in Acts I will not concern myself merely with the oral proclamation of the gospel, though this is of primary importance. I will also enfold consideration of the impact of the lives of the community of God’s people.
In all probability the first example of non-apostolic involvement in evangelism is indicated at Acts 2:1ff. On the day of Pentecost we read “all of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them” (v4). Who are those who were filled with the Holy Spirit? Verse 1 states: “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.” The immediately preceding context has concerned the appointment of the twelfth apostle and so it is possible to see these verses as only pertaining to the apostles. However, in that same preceding context “they” evidently refers to the whole company of initial believers, a group of around 120 persons (1:15). It is “they” who, apparently at Peter’s behest, proposed the two candidates to be considered (1:23), who prayed for the Lord’s guidance (v24) and who participated in the casting of lots (v26). Consequently, it would seem that at Pentecost the Holy Spirit came upon all of the 120 believers and that, therefore, all of them were involved in ‘declaring the wonders of God’ (2:11), even if pride of place is accorded to an apostle, Peter. This, of course, would give added weight to Peter’s use of Joel 2:
In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy (Acts 2:17-18).
Presumably, the initial company of 120 believers included women as well as men. Hence, as these women, filled with the Spirit, prophesied and told of the great things God had done they served as a visible indication that Joel’s prophecy had indeed been most wonderfully fulfilled.
Through the Spirit-filled miraculous and evangelistic proclamation of these 120 believers and the Spirit’s particular use of Peter’s keynote address, around 3,000 joined the company of believers on that day.
At the close of Acts 2 we see that this company of believers has an evangelistic effectiveness which is not merely dependent on them orally proclaiming the gospel. For we read that these believers were “enjoying the favour of all the people.” Immediately following this we are informed: “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (verse 47). It is notable that verses 42-47 have a clear structure. Verse 42 sets out four areas of devotion:
- Devotion to the apostles’ teaching.
- Devotion to the fellowship.
- Devotion to the breaking of bread.
- Devotion to prayer.
Verses 43-47a sequentially add comments that correspond to these areas of devotion:
1. A comment corresponding to devotion to the apostles’ teaching (verse 43): “Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.” This comment accentuates the immense authority of the apostles and explains why devotion to the apostles’ teaching is so foundational. For the early Christian community the miraculous signs done by the apostles underscores the importance of what they have to say. Further, the awe-inspiring Spirit-effected power and authority manifested through the apostles helps explain how this early community had succeeded in impressing the people of Jerusalem.
2. A comment corresponding to devotion to the fellowship (verses 44-46a): “All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts.” Again this manifestation of unity, generosity and servanthood was impressive in the eyes of the people of Jerusalem.
3. A comment corresponding to devotion to the breaking of bread (verse 46b): ‘They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” These believers enjoyed one another’s company so much that they did not merely meet with each other for worship and to sit under the apostles’ teaching. Their relationships were so strong that they also opened up their homes to each, sharing meals together. It does seem here that the accent is on the richness of fellowship and that an allusion to the Lord’s Supper is either not intended or, at least, secondary. Again outsiders could not help but be impressed by this clear expression of the depth of love Christians had for each other.
4. A comment corresponding to devotion to prayer (verse 47a): “praising God.” This helps us to see that the primary focus of the prayers of the early community was not that of asking God to meet various needs, but rather on worshiping and adoring and thanking God for all he had done and continued to do. It is positive God-centered Christianity that impresses outsiders.
It is these four areas of devotion – to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, meals in homes and prayer – that explains why the early Christian community was so impressive in the eyes of the people of Jerusalem and why it won such favour with them. The Lord used this goodwill to draw people to salvation on a daily basis.
Posted January 16, 2009
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