The difference between being a witness and evangelizing is fundamental to our mission of sharing the message of the cross. Understanding these two actions allows us to live an authentic and effective faith in a world longing for truth.

The Meaning of Being a Witness

In Acts 1:8, we are told that we will be Christ’s “witnesses,” and the Greek word used is “martures”, from which the modern word “martyr” comes. This etymology is significant, as being a witness implies testifying to what we have seen and experienced; it is a way of life that reflects the truth we have found in Christ. The famous quote attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, “Preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words,” encapsulates this idea.

However, while it is vital to be a witness and live in such a way that our lives reflect the love and truth of Christ, this alone is not enough. Simply living in a way that points to Jesus without explicitly communicating the gospel message is not evangelizing. People need to hear the truth of the message of the cross, as salvation comes through faith, and faith comes by hearing the word of God. In other words, evangelizing requires verbal proclamation.

The Importance of Evangelizing

Evangelizing is communicating the explicit content of the gospel: that Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). This is essential for people to understand the nature of their salvation. It is not enough to live in a way that inspires; it is crucial to give people the opportunity to hear and respond to Jesus’ message. The Bible teaches that “faith comes by hearing” (Romans 10:17), which means we must speak the gospel so that others can know the truth. The Word of God, who is Jesus, and the message of Jesus are the good news — the cross.

Witness and Verbal Proclamation

Witnessing refers to how we live and behave as a Christian community and personally. A testimony can be demonstrated through sincere relationships, compassionate actions, and how we treat others. On the other hand, verbal proclamation is the explicit announcement of the good news of Jesus.

The mission entrusted to us is carried out in the power of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to be witnesses and evangelists. Proclaiming the gospel is not just an action; it is an invitation to a personal relationship with Jesus. When we speak of the gospel, we must do so with the intention of inviting others to experience the salvation we have found in Him.

The Relationship Between Witnessing and Evangelizing

It is important to note that while being a witness and evangelizing are different, they are closely related. An authentic testimony can open hearts and prepare the way for the Word of God to be heard. However, we must never forget that evangelizing, at its core, requires an intentional communication of the gospel’s truth.

We need to find practical ways to evangelize in our daily lives. This can include praying for others, offering words of encouragement, and building meaningful relationships that allow discussions about faith. As noted in Romans 10:14, “How shall they hear without a preacher?” This question underscores the need for us to not only live as witnesses but also to be diligent in sharing the Word.

Conclusion

Being a witness and evangelizing are two sides of the same coin. While witnessing refers to how we live and reflect the love of Christ, evangelizing focuses on proclaiming the message of the cross. Both are essential in our mission as believers. Let us remember that salvation comes through faith¹, and faith comes by hearing² the Word of God³; the Word of God who is Jesus⁴, and the message of Jesus is the good news — the cross⁵. Therefore, we must not only live as witnesses but also boldly communicate the transformative message of Jesus to those around us. The need for a world to hear and respond to the truth of the gospel is urgent, and we, as carriers of that message, have the responsibility to fulfill this mission.

Notes

¹ “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Eph. 2:8)

² “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)

³ “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)

⁴ “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

⁵ “Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand… that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.” (1 Cor. 15:1)