Approaches to witnessing

When and where to witness

In the home and family

Mark 5:18–19 CSB

As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged him earnestly that he might remain with him. Jesus did not let him but told him, “Go 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 CSB

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 is translated “the Christ”), and he brought Simon to Jesus. When Jesus saw him, he said, “You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which is translated “Peter”).

See also Jn 4:7–26; Ac 8:30–35

To assembled groups

Acts 17:17 CSB

So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with those who worshiped God, as well as 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 CSB

“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 CSB

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 said to Philip, “I ask you, who is the prophet saying this about—himself or someone else?” Philip proceeded to tell him the good news about Jesus, beginning with 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 CSB

But if all are prophesying and some unbeliever or outsider comes in, he is convicted by all and is called to account 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 CSB

Let your speech 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 CSB

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

See also Lk 1:1–4

Through holy living

Matthew 5:16 CSB

In the same way, let your light shine before others, 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 CSB

While Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, a woman approached him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume. 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 CSB

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 CSB

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.”

See also Eze 33:7–9

Fearlessly

Ephesians 6:19–20 CSB

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 to speak about it as I should.

See also Ac 4:29

Clearly and courteously

1 Peter 3:15 CSB

but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time 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