Paul and Evangelism

Abstract

The necessity and relative importance of evangelism have been topics of serious missiological debate since the early twentieth century. This is particularly the case with the evangelicals, who are often characterized by passionate commitment to personal evangelism “to the ends of the earth.” However, recent work on mission and evangelism in Paul's letters has raised disturbing questions in regard to this missiological conviction. Congregational and individual passion for evangelism do not appear to be “Pauline.” This article introduces readers of Missiology to this vigorous and growing missiological debate among New Testament scholars, and examines possible responses by mission practitioners.