When did Evangelism begin?

[Neighbor]

Up for general discussion more than the asking of the question: When did evangelism begin? Evangelism  being the  reveal of Jesus as Lord, God, and Savior.

Fair warning (LOL) I have been reading a study page from skopos (dot) org that  is titled  

"EVANGELISM IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

“and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’
These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.” Exodus 19:6" 

 I am finding it stimulating and encouraging  for reading  especially within the Old Testament with a sharper eye out for that scarlet thread of redemption being proclaimed.

SO  when, where, what, and how, is  the reveal of Jesus and salvation though His faith  being declared within the Old Testament and by whom ( What Bible individuals)?

 

[Michael37]

26 minutes ago, Neighbor said:

Up for general discussion more than the asking of the question: When did evangelism begin? Evangelism  being the  reveal of Jesus as Lord, God, and Savior.

Fair warning (LOL) I have been reading a study page from skopos (dot) org that  is titled  

"EVANGELISM IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

“and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’
These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.” Exodus 19:6" 

 I am finding it stimulating and encouraging  for reading  especially within the Old Testament with a sharper eye out for that scarlet thread of redemption being proclaimed.

SO  when, where, what, and how, is  the reveal of Jesus and salvation though His faith  being declared within the Old Testament and by whom ( What Bible individuals)?

 

Here's what I know for a start:

In the book of Genesis, we encounter a significant passage known as the Proto-Evangelium. This term is derived from the Greek words “proto,” meaning “first,” and “euangelion,” meaning “gospel” or “good news” ¹. Let’s explore this foundational concept:

In Genesis 3:15, after Adam and Eve’s disobedience, God addresses the serpent that deceived them. Here’s the verse:

“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”

This verse is often called the Proto-Evangelium, which translates to the “First Gospel.” Here’s why it’s so significant:

1. Messiah Foreshadowing: Genesis 3:15 contains the first reference in Scripture to the idea of a Messiah. It hints at a future deliverer who will triumph over evil and restore humanity’s relationship with God ¹.

2. Cosmic Struggle: The conflict between the serpent (representing evil) and the seed of the woman (representing humanity) is not merely a physical battle. It’s a cosmic struggle orchestrated by God Himself. The serpent’s head will be bruised, signifying its ultimate defeat, while the woman’s descendants will fight back ².

3. Corporate Victory: The “seed of the woman” refers to collective humanity, indicating a corporate victory. However, left to ourselves, we cannot win this war. It took Jesus—Eve’s ultimate seed—to deliver the decisive blow (Colossians 2:15). If we are in Him, we share in His victory ².

4. Eternal Triumph: Two thousand years ago, Jesus secured the decisive victory over Satan through His death and resurrection. Although Satan still assaults God’s people, he is destined for eternal destruction. As believers, we fight against the devil through prayer and evangelism, knowing that our ultimate triumph is assured ²³.

So, the Proto-Evangelium in Genesis 3:15 points to the hope of redemption, restoration, and victory through the promised Messiah. 🌟📖{BingChat]

[FJK]

I see evangelism as meaning preaching the Gospel of salvation through Christ as a result of his death as the perfect sacrifice that cleans us of our sins if we believe in him without reservation.

So I suppose that would mean evangelism starting as soon as his apostles and disciples went forth to preach the Gospel to the nations after Jesus' ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit to men.  I don't really see what there was to evangelize before that, but I've never really thought on it before.

[Neighbor]

Two very good opening responses, special thanks to Michael for kicking off this subject with much opening detail from Genesis.

[Neighbor]

Oh my! I decided to utiize Bing Chat co-pilot; Asking of it Seeking  a sermon of Spurgeon's on evangelism in the Old Testament:

Here is the  first response from BingChat  It took about 7 seconds maximum to respond:

" Certainly! Charles Haddon Spurgeon, the renowned preacher, left us with timeless wisdom on evangelism. One of his powerful paradigms for understanding the Gospel is encapsulated in what he called the “Three R’s”: Ruin, Redemption, and Regeneration.

Ruin (Genesis 3:14-15): This doctrine highlights the fallen state of humanity. In the Garden of Eden, sin entered the world, leading to separation from God. The curse pronounced upon the serpent in Genesis 3:14-15 points to the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and Satan. Spurgeon emphasized that we must recognize our desperate need for salvation due to our ruined condition.

Redemption (Romans 3:21-26): Spurgeon expounded on the glorious truth of redemption through Christ. In Romans 3:21-26, Paul explains how God’s righteousness is revealed apart from the law, through faith in Jesus. Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross provides forgiveness and reconciliation for sinners. Spurgeon proclaimed this central message of the Gospel—the good news of Christ’s atonement.

Regeneration (John 3:1-8): This doctrine focuses on the new birth. In John 3, Jesus speaks to Nicodemus about being born again by the Spirit. Spurgeon emphasized that regeneration precedes faith; it is God’s work in sinners’ hearts, enabling them to believe and be transformed. Without this spiritual rebirth, no one can truly understand or embrace the Gospel.

Spurgeon’s three R’s serve as a concise and memorable framework for sharing the Gospel. Each word begins with an “R,” making it easy to recall, especially during face-to-face evangelism. As we engage with lost souls, may we faithfully proclaim these foundational truths of God’s redeeming love for sinners in Christ1.

If you’re interested in exploring more of Spurgeon’s sermons, you might find his collection titled “Christ in the Old Testament”enlightening. It delves into the foreshadowings of our Lord in Old Testament history, ceremony, and prophecy23. Remember, even in the ancient Scriptures, God’s mission of redemption was at work, calling people back to Himself. 🙏📜"

Isn't it wonderful soon we won't have to chat with each other at all! Won't have to do our own research  nor thinking, though I wonder can it pray  in our place? I don't dare ask it to do so.

[Michael37]

2 hours ago, Neighbor said:

Isn't it wonderful soon we won't have to chat with each other at all! Won't have to do our own research  nor thinking, though I wonder can it pray  in our place? I don't dare ask it to do so.

Like any object and idea, AI is subject to use or abuse by mankind. 

It can only put together what its software and search engines allow, but it will provide a prayer if you ask, and you can set parameters.

Great offering from the Spurgeon archive BTW. Thanks.

[Neighbor]

11 minutes ago, Michael37 said:

Thanks.

We can both thank Bing Chat. LOL!

  

[TheBlade]

The first thread I read today and the song I have been playing lol over and over "Send Forth Laborers... Pennell"

[Mr. M]

17 hours ago, Neighbor said:

Up for general discussion more than the asking of the question: When did evangelism begin? Evangelism  being the  reveal of Jesus as Lord, God, and Savior.

Fair warning (LOL) I have been reading a study page from skopos (dot) org that  is titled  

"EVANGELISM IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

“and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’
These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.” Exodus 19:6" 

 I am finding it stimulating and encouraging  for reading  especially within the Old Testament with a sharper eye out for that scarlet thread of redemption being proclaimed.

SO  when, where, what, and how, is  the reveal of Jesus and salvation though His faith  being declared within the Old Testament and by whom ( What Bible individuals)?

 

An early example of preaching repentance

Jonah Preaches at Nineveh

3:1 Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, 2 “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I tell you.” 3 So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, a three-day journey in extent. 4 And Jonah began to enter the city on the first day’s walk. Then he cried out and said, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!”

The People of Nineveh Believe

5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least of them. 6 Then word came to the king of Nineveh; and he arose from his throne and laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth and sat in ashes. 7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published throughout Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying,

Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything; do not let them eat, or drink water. 8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily to God; yes, let every one turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands. 9 Who can tell if God will turn and relent, and turn away from His fierce anger, so that we may not perish?

10 Then God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God relented from the disaster that He had said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it.

Jonah 4:11 And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot discern between their right hand and their left—and much livestock?”

Edited February 13, 2024 by Mr. M

[Mr. M]

11 hours ago, FJK said:

I see evangelism as meaning preaching the Gospel of salvation through Christ as a result of his death as the perfect sacrifice that cleans us of our sins if we believe in him without reservation.

So I suppose that would mean evangelism starting as soon as his apostles and disciples went forth to preach the Gospel to the nations after Jesus' ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit to men.  I don't really see what there was to evangelize before that, but I've never really thought on it before.

John the Baptist was sent by God and would qualify. Jesus sending His followers out in 2's would also, before the Great Commission, but limited to the "lost sheep of Israel".