Definition and Implications of the Term Evangelical
The term "evangelical" derives from the Greek word euangelion, meaning "good news" or "gospel" [1]. In the New Testament, an "evangelist" is primarily understood as a "publisher of glad tidings" or a missionary preacher of the gospel [1, 2]. This role is distinct from that of an apostle, prophet, pastor, or teacher, though it shares some overlap [1, 2].
Philip, mentioned in Acts 21:8, is identified as an evangelist, traveling from city to city to preach the word (Acts 8:4, 40) [1]. This suggests that evangelists were itinerant preachers whose specific function was to bring the gospel to places where it had not yet been heard [1]. They did not typically hold the authority of an apostle, possess the gift of prophecy, or bear the responsibility of pastoral oversight for a specific congregation [1]. Instead, their work was focused on proclamation rather than the ongoing instruction and care of believers [2].
The apostle Paul exhorts Timothy to "do the work of an evangelist" (2 Timothy 4:5). This instruction implies a call to fulfill all the requirements of this ministry, enduring hardships and being watchful in all circumstances [3]. Commentators like Jamieson, Fausset & Brown interpret this as Timothy being called to be a "missionary bishop preacher, and teacher," following in Paul's footsteps [3]. The term "evangelist" in this context denotes a specific work or function rather than a fixed ecclesiastical order, similar to how the modern term "missionary" is used [2].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Evangelist — A "publisher of glad tidings;" a missionary preacher of the gospel (Eph. 4:11). This title is applied to Philip (Acts 21:8), who appears to have gone from city to city preaching the word (8:4, 40). Judging from the case of Philip, evangelists had neither the authority of an apostle, nor the gift of prophecy, nor the responsibility of pastoral supervision over a portion of the flock. They were itinerant preachers, having it as their special function to carry the gospel to places where it was previously unknown. The writers of the four Gospels are known as”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Evangelist — (publisher of glad tidings). In the New Testament the "evangelists" appear on the one hand after the "apostles" and "prophets;" on the other before the "pastors" and "teachers." They probably stood between the two. (Acts 21:8; Ephesians 4:11) The work of the evangelist is the proclamation of the glad tidings to those who have not known them, rather than the instruction and pastoral care of those who have believed and been baptized. It follows also that the name denotes a work rather than an order . Its use is nearly like our word missionary. The evangelis”
- 2 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Timothy 4:5: I am no longer here to withstand these things; be thou a worthy successor of me, no longer depending on me for counsel, but thine own master, and swimming without the corks [CALVIN]; follow my steps, inherit their result, and the honor of their end [ALFORD]. watch thou--literally, "with the wakefulness of one sober." in all things--on all occasions and under all circumstances (Tit 2:7). endure affliction--suffer hardships [ALFORD]. evangelist--a missionary bishop preacher, and teacher. make full proof of--fulfil in all its requirements, lea”