Approaches to witnessing

When and where to witness

In the home and family

Mark 5:18–19 HCSB

As He was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed kept begging Him to be with Him. But He would not let him; instead, He told him, “Go back home to your own people, and report to them how much the Lord has done for you and how He has had mercy on you.”

See also 2 Ki 5:1–3; Jn 1:41

To individuals

John 1:40–42 HCSB

Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John and followed Him. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah!” (which means “Anointed One”), and he brought Simon to Jesus. When Jesus saw him, He said, “You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which means “Rock”).

See also Jn 4:7–26; Ac 8:30–35

To assembled groups

Acts 17:17 HCSB

So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with those who worshiped God and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there.

See also Ac 5:42; Ac 16:13; Ac 19:8–9

Methods of witnessing

Sharing personal testimony

John 4:29 HCSB

“Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could this be the Messiah?”

See also Ac 22:3–8 Paul uses the account of his conversion in witnessing.

Explaining the Scriptures

Acts 8:30–35 HCSB

When Philip ran up to it, he heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you’re reading?” “How can I,” he said, “unless someone guides me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. Now the Scripture passage he was reading was this: He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb is silent before its shearer, so He does not open His mouth. In His humiliation justice was denied Him. Who will describe His generation? For His life is taken from the earth. The eunuch replied to Philip, “I ask you, who is the prophet saying this about—himself or another person?” So Philip proceeded to tell him the good news about Jesus, beginning from that Scripture.

See also Is 53:7–8; Ps 119:172; Ac 17:1–3; Ac 17:10–12

Using prophetic gifts

1 Corinthians 14:24–25 HCSB

But if all are prophesying and some unbeliever or uninformed person comes in, he is convicted by all and is judged by all. The secrets of his heart will be revealed, and as a result he will fall facedown and worship God, proclaiming, “God is really among you.”

Answering questions

Colossians 4:6 HCSB

Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.

See also Jn 9:8–11; Jn 9:15–17; Jn 9:24–25; 1 Pe 3:15

Through writing

John 20:31 HCSB

But these are written so that you may believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and by believing you may have life in His name.

See also Lk 1:1–4

Through holy living

Matthew 5:16 HCSB

In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

See also 1 Pe 3:1–2

Through acts of devotion

Matthew 26:6–7 HCSB

While Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon, a man who had a serious skin disease, a woman approached Him with an alabaster jar of very expensive fragrant oil. She poured it on His head as He was reclining at the table.

See also Lk 7:36–38; Jn 12:1–3

The manner of witnessing

With love

Mark 10:21 HCSB

Then, looking at him, Jesus loved him and said to him, “You lack one thing: Go, sell all you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”

See also Php 1:15–17

With urgency

2 Corinthians 5:20 HCSB

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, certain that God is appealing through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.”

See also Eze 33:7–9

Fearlessly

Ephesians 6:19–20 HCSB

Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough in Him to speak as I should.

See also Ac 4:29

Clearly and courteously

1 Peter 3:15 HCSB

but honor the Messiah as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.

See also Ac 26:1–3; Col 4:4–6