Using Trials as Opportunities for Evangelism and Gospel Sharing
Trials and afflictions, though often difficult, can serve as significant opportunities for evangelism and sharing the Gospel [3, 5]. The New Testament frequently presents suffering not as a hindrance to the spread of Christianity, but as a means through which God's power and faithfulness are displayed and the message of Christ is proclaimed [5].
One way trials become opportunities for evangelism is by providing a platform for believers to bear witness to their faith. Jesus himself told his disciples that when they are brought before synagogues, rulers, and authorities, "This will be your opportunity to serve as witnesses" [3]. This perspective is echoed in the experience of the Apostle Paul, who, even as a prisoner, encouraged others not to be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord or of him, but to join in suffering for the Gospel by God's power [2]. The steadfastness of believers in the face of adversity can demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel to those who observe their conduct [4].
Furthermore, the generosity and subjection to the Gospel displayed by Christians during times of trial can lead others to glorify God. For instance, the "ministration" or service provided by believers, particularly in acts of liberal distribution to those in need, causes recipients to glorify God "for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ" [1, 4]. John Gill interprets this as the poor saints at Jerusalem, having experienced the liberality of the Gentile churches, glorifying God for the grace and goodness they witnessed [6]. Such actions serve as a tangible demonstration of the Gospel's impact on individuals and communities.
The broader biblical narrative suggests that God uses afflictions to promote His glory, exhibit His power, teach His will, and turn people toward Him [5]. The preaching of the "Good News" to all nations is presented as something that would take place first before the destruction of Jerusalem, implying that trials would be a means to this end [7]. This perspective highlights a divine purpose in suffering, where difficulties are not merely endured but are actively leveraged for the advancement of God's kingdom.
Sources
- King James Version “[KJV] 2 Corinthians 9:13 — Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;”
- II Timothy “II Timothy 1:8 (BSB) — So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me, His prisoner. Instead, join me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.”
- Luke “Luke 21:13 (BSB) — This will be your opportunity to serve as witnesses.”
- II Corinthians “II Corinthians 9:13 (Webster) — While by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection to the gospel of Christ, and for [your] liberal distribution to them, and to all [men];”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflictions Made Beneficial — In promoting the glory of God -- Joh 9:1-3; 11:3,4; 21:18,19. In exhibiting the power and faithfulness of God -- Ps 34:19,20; 2Co 4:8-11. In teaching us the will of God -- Ps 119:71; Isa 26:9; Mic 6:9. In turning us to God -- De 4:30,31; Ne 1:8,9; Ps 78:34; Isa 10:20,21; Ho 2:6,7. In keeping us from again departing from God -- Job 34:31,32; Isa 10:20; Eze 14:10,11. In leading us to seek God in prayer -- Jdj 4:3; Jer 31:18; La 2:17-19; Ho 5:14,15; Jon 2:1. In convincing us of sin -- Job 36:8,9; Ps 119:67; Lu 15:16-18. In leading us to con”
- 2 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Corinthians 9:13: Whiles by the experiment of this ministration,.... That is, the poor saints at Jerusalem having a specimen, a proof, an experience of the liberality of the Gentile churches ministered to them by the apostles, first, they glorify God; by giving thanks unto him, acknowledging him to be the author of all the grace and goodness which they, and others, were partakers of; particularly for your professed subjection to the Gospel of Christ. The Gospel of Christ is the doctrine of grace, life, and salvation by Christ, of which he is the author, as God, the subject m”
- Mark (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Mark 13:10: 13:10 Such trials (13:9, 11) would be a means through which the Good News would be preached to all nations. This would all take place first—i.e., before the destruction of Jerusalem. For Paul’s understanding of how the Good News had already been preached to every nation in his day, see Rom 16:26; Col 1:6, 23 (see also Rom 1:5, 8; 10:18; 15:19, 23).”