Turning Adversity into Evangelism Opportunities in Christian Life
Christians are called to live lives "worthy of the gospel of Christ" [2], which includes embracing opportunities to share their faith, even amidst hardship. The Apostle Paul, for instance, considered his life valuable only insofar as he could complete his ministry of "testifying to the good news of God’s grace" [3]. This perspective suggests that adversity, rather than hindering evangelism, can sometimes create unique avenues for it.
The New Testament frequently acknowledges that suffering is an expected part of the Christian life. Believers are "destined for such troubles" [11] and should not be surprised by the "hostility of a sinful world" [7]. This understanding is not a call to passive endurance but to active engagement. For example, Paul, though imprisoned, could still "enjoin" Philemon concerning what was appropriate [1]. This demonstrates that even in constrained circumstances, the mission of the Gospel can continue.
Adversity can serve as a catalyst for evangelism in several ways. Acts 26:18 highlights the goal of evangelism: "to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God." When Christians face trials with grace and steadfastness, their response can be a powerful testimony to the hope they possess. Adam Clarke, commenting on Romans 11:15, suggests that even the tribulations experienced by Christians can become occasions for glory, leading others to consider the faith [6].
Furthermore, acts of kindness in the face of hostility can lead to repentance and reconciliation [5]. Christians are encouraged to "make the most of every opportunity" to share the Good News and serve others, much like someone seizing a good bargain [10]. This includes "meekness correcting them that oppose themselves," with the hope that God might grant them repentance and knowledge of the truth [4]. The example of Philip explaining the Christian faith to the Ethiopian eunuch, who then immediately sought baptism, illustrates how clear and timely communication of the Gospel can lead to conversion [8].
The Jewish tradition also reflects on adversity, with Rashi on Ecclesiastes 7:14 suggesting that "on a day of adversity reflect." This reflection can lead to examining one's deeds and repenting, or to maintaining hope for better times [9]. For Christians, this reflection often centers on the steadfastness of God and the power of the Gospel to sustain them through trials, thereby offering a compelling witness to others.
Sources
- Philemon “Philemon 1:8 (Webster) — Wherefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient.”
- Philippians “Philippians 1:27 (LEB) — Only lead your lives in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent I hear ⌞your circumstances⌟, that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one soul contending side by side for the faith of the gospel,”
- Acts “Acts 20:24 (BSB) — But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”
- II Timothy “II Timothy 2:25 (ASV) — in meekness correcting them that oppose themselves; if peradventure God may give them repentance unto the knowledge of the truth,”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 12:20: 12:20-21 A simple act of Christian kindness can often bring a hostile person to repentance before God and restore fellowship between people.”
- Romans (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Romans 11:15: But life from the dead - If the rejection of the Jews became the occasion of our receiving the Gospel, so that we can even glory in our tribulations, though they themselves became chief instruments of our sufferings; yet so far must we feel from exulting over them that we should esteem their full conversion to God as great and choice a favor as we would the restoration of a most intimate friend to life, who had been at the gates of death. The restoration of the Jews to a state of favor with God to which the apostle refers, and which is too plainly intimated by the ”
- 1 Peter (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Peter 4:12: 4:12-19 Peter instructs Christians one last time about the way to face the trials that will inevitably come. 4:12 don’t be surprised: Christians, especially those seeking to lead godly lives, can expect to face the hostility of a sinful world (see John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Rom 8:17; Phil 1:29).”
- Acts (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Acts 8:36: See, here is water - He was not willing to omit the first opportunity that presented itself of his taking upon himself the profession of the Gospel. By this we may see that Philip had explained the whole of the Christian faith to him, and the way by which believers were brought into the Christian Church.”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) on Ecclesiastes 7:14: And on a day of adversity reflect. When evil comes upon the wicked, be among the observers, 36 Adversity is caused by being sinful. Therefore, examine your deeds and remove any sins by repenting (Sforno). Alternatively, on a day of adversity, reflect and be hopeful for a day of goodness to come. (Likutei Yehudah) as it is stated, “And they will go out and see the corpses of the people, etc.,” 37 Yeshayahu 66:24. and you will not be among those who are seen, “and they will be a sight for all mankind.” 38 Ibid.”
- Colossians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Colossians 4:5: 4:5 make the most of every opportunity (literally buy up the time): Like people who are buying up a product offered at a good price, Christians are to “buy up” every opportunity God gives them to share the Good News and to serve others.”
- 1 Thessalonians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Thessalonians 3:3: 3:3 we are destined for such troubles: Suffering for the faith is often part of a Christian’s life (1:6; 2:14; Phil 1:29; 1 Pet 1:6; 2:21; 3:17; 4:19).”