Skip to main contentHistorical Examples — Evangelism
203 illustrations
Praying for Brothers' Sake, Not Our Own
He prays because his brothers dwell in Jerusalem—their physical presence matters to him.
Psalms 122:8Universalselfless concern for otherschurch's redemptive influence
Charles H. Spurgeon204 words
Ambassadors of Peace Weeping at Rejection and Loss
An ambassador of peace bears a threefold character: he is a minister sent of Elohim, instructed in the terms of peace, and commissioned to negotiate with sinners at war with the Almighty.
Isaiah 28:7Universalfaithful witness amid rejection
Four Means by Which God's Word Increases in Power
Exell (1887) identified four essential means of this prosperity.
Acts 3:7Universalthe power of the Holy Spirit
Thy Kingdom Come: The Prayer's Threefold Demand
Luthardt identifies seven critical aspects: God's kingdom surpasses all earthly kingdoms; amidst the collapse of human rule, men seek one that endures; it is founded upon moral goodness rather than external might; it originated in Elohim's *protē noēsis* (primeval thought);...
Matthew 6:10Universal
Seven Angels, Seven Trumpets: Divine Vocation and Warning
This posture teaches a fundamental principle: those called to the Lord's service must wait for His vocation rather than rushing ahead unbidden.
Revelation 6:2Universaldivine calling and readiness
Jesus Withdrew to the Mount of Olives for Prayer
His custom reveals a pattern that all who would serve Adonai must learn: the rhythmic alternation between public labor and private prayer.
John 8:1Universalrhythm of service and solitude
What Strangers Observe in the Christian Household
Before such strangers, it was supremely important to exhibit nothing that would dishonour Yahweh.
Isaiah 39:4Universalwitness through domestic life
Sabbath Law and the Blind Man's Healing
He applied spittle and clay to restore sight, knowing full well He contravened their tradition.
John 9:16UniversalPharisaic legalism versus divine mercy
The Great Saviour Sent to Egypt and All Nations
Historical parallels illuminate this prophecy's scope: Alexander the Great liberated Egypt from Persian oppression, while Ptolemy Soter (the Saviour) granted Jews equal civic privileges in Alexandria.
Isaiah 19:20Universaldivine provision across history
The Gospel Mystery: Hidden Ages, Now Revealed
The term *mysterion* (mystery), used twice in this passage and frequently throughout Philippians, does not denote what is essentially incomprehensible to human understanding.
Philippians 4:26
The Prophet's Tears: Compassion in Proclaiming God's Judgment
When we announce doom without tears, we harden rather than convict.
Isaiah 15:5Universalintercession and burden
Withholding Bread: The Curse of Selfish Commerce
In Solomon's day, famines were frequent and trade communications uncertain between nations.
Proverbs 11:26Universalfaithful stewardship of truth
God's Hands on Both Sides: Peter and Cornelius
Maclaren captures this with penetrating imagery: "God, as it ere, lays His right hand on Cornelius, and His left on Peter, and impels them towards each other." The magnitude of this transformation cannot be overstated.
Acts 10:1-20
Praising God While Gaining Favor with All People
Exell's Victorian commentary identifies three dynamics at work.
Acts 1:47Universaldivine sovereignty and human agency
Two Sons and the Repentance That Changes Everything
His brother said, "I go, sir," but went not.
Matthew 20:28-32Universaltransformation through grace
The Candle Cannot Hide: Light Demands Visibility
(Mark 4:21) The kingdom of Elohim expands through human agency.
Mark 4:21Universallight and darkness
Salt of the Earth: The Christian's Calling to Purify Society
The Church exists for the world's sake more than for its own comfort.
Matthew 5:13UniversalChristian witness and moral influence
Why Saul Became Paul: The Name That Marks Conversion
The apostle's shift from *Saulos* to *Paulos* was not mere accident or Roman courtesy.
Acts 13:1-13
The Gospel Mystery Revealed to All Nations
Exell (1887) distinguishes three dimensions of this mystery.
Colossians 4:28
God's Righteousness and Salvation Draw Near to All Nations
The prophet teaches that an evangelical law—the law of Christ, the law of faith (Isaiah 42:3)—proceeds from God Himself, bringing both righteousness and salvation to the children of men.
Isaiah 45:5
Faith Comes by Hearing the Word of God
Exell, in his 1887 *Biblical Illustrator*, offers a vivid comparison: as the thirsty man needs only be directed to water—"There's the water, drink"—so the anxious soul requires but one directive: "Faith cometh by hearing." Elaborate explanations about reservoirs and river...
Romans 10:17Universal
The Gospel Mystery: Hidden Ages, Now Revealed
The term *mysterion* (mystery), used twice in this passage and repeatedly throughout the epistle, does not describe what is essentially incomprehensible, but rather what was once hidden and is now revealed.
Colossians 4:26
The Gospel Mystery Revealed to All Nations
Exell observed that all genuine religion involves mystery in relation to the infinite and Divine; false mystery belongs only to superstition.
Philippians 4:28
God's Praise Transcends All People and Nations
The Spirit of God who *indited* (inspired) this scripture ensured that David's penman understood a glorious truth: the Gentiles should have the use of his Psalms.
Psalms 57:9
pastoral grief and perseverance
authentic Christian witness
God's sovereignty
the already-not-yet kingdom
God's warning mercy
intercession sustains ministry
consistency between belief and conduct
The cost of silent faith
Christ as ultimate fulfillment
Universal
divine mystery unveiled
hidden made manifest
authentic spiritual authority
meeting spiritual hunger
Universal
divine preparation
breaking barriers
Alexander Maclaren232 words
balance between favor and persecution
the power of genuine conversion
hidden and revealed
Preservation of spiritual character
Universal
conversion and renewal
humility before God
Alexander Maclaren224 words
Universal
divine mystery
Christ's centrality
Universal
God's universal redemption
righteousness through Christ
hearing as the means of faith
false paths to belief
Universal
divine mystery unveiled
gospel proclamation
Universal
God's hidden wisdom made manifest
inclusivity of redemption
Universal
God's universal kingdom
providential inspiration
Charles H. Spurgeon203 words