Evangelists
In the Bible, the term "evangelist" generally refers to individuals who are specifically called to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The word itself is derived from the Greek word "euangelistes," which means "bringer of good news." This role is particularly emphasized in the New Testament, where evangelists are seen as crucial to the spread of the Christian message. For instance, in Ephesians 4:11, Paul mentions evangelists as one of the five ministry gifts given to the church, alongside apostles, prophets, pastors, and teachers. This indicates their importance in the foundational work of the church and in the growth of the Christian faith.The most notable evangelists in the New Testament are the four Gospel writers: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Each of these authors presents the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus from their unique perspectives, contributing to the broader narrative of salvation. Additionally, figures like Philip are explicitly referred to as evangelists in Acts 21:8, where he is described as "Philip the evangelist." This highlights the active role evangelists play in preaching and teaching the Gospel, often traveling to share the message with those who have not yet heard it, thus fulfilling the Great Commission given by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20.