Without question, the Apostle Paul stands as one of the greatest missionary evangelists

this world has ever known. So much so, the Book of Acts devotes 16 chapters to the events
centered on his ministry. As believers, there are at least three reasons why every Christian should
concern themselves with Pauls methods of evangelism: (1) Because of his obedience. Every
Christian is given the command to go and make disciples (Matt 28:16-20); (2) Because acted
under the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8); (3) Because of his success. Chosen by God and
separated by the Holy Spirit, the gospel Paul preached was not according to man but through
a revelation of Jesus Christ1 (Gal. 1:11, 12). Though some may believe Paul often exercised his
own judgment, the Holy Spirit constantly overshadowed that judgment. When he passed the
Phrygian and Galatian region, Paul was forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the Word in
Asia, and, when his company tried to go into Bithynia, the Spirt of Jesus did not permit them
(Acts 16:6, 7). When Paul was to go someplace or stay longer where he was, the Lord revealed
that to him also (Acts 16:9,10). In Thessalonica a large number obeyed the gospel, and, in
Berea, they received the Word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see
whether these things were so (Acts 17:4, 11). As to Pauls success, we are told that churches
were established wherever he went. When Paul visited the town of Corinth, many of
the Corinthians heard his preaching and believed then were baptized (Acts 18:8). What made
Paul such an outstanding witness and preacher? Let us discern his character.
The first characteristic is how Paul maintained close contact with the home base.2 The
church in Antioch was Pauls home church. It makes sense that he would keep in contact because

1Unless otherwise noted, all Biblical passage references are in the Charles Caldwell Ryrie, Ryrie Study
Bible: New American Standard Bible, 1995 Update, expanded ed. (Chicago: Moody Press, 1995).
2A. Scott Moreau, Gary R. Corwin, and Gary B. McGee. Introducing World Missions: A Biblical,
Historical, and Practical Survey. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2004), 62.

this is where the church was directed by the Holy Spirit to set aside Barnabas and Paul (Saul) for
missionary work, While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said,
Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them Then, when they
had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away (Acts 13:2-3).
Secondly, Paul concentrated on large cities.3 Paul infiltrated the larger cities because it
gave him access to a wider audience. His hope was that the gospel would take root in the
metropolitan areas and then radiate throughout the smaller cities and villages.
Thirdly, he remained long enough in one place to establish a church.4 His reasoning for
this was that he did not want to become dependent upon the church or have the church become
too dependent upon him. He wanted the church to stand independently of him and to rely on the
power of Christ to help them govern themselves.
Next, Paul made ample use of fellow workers. Paul understood that his missionary task
would require teamwork for it to be accomplished. Paul was not seeking a position of power and
did not mind delegating ministry tasks to his fellow workers in the ministry.
Lastly, the fifth characteristic is how Paul became all things to all men.5 Paul states,
For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more (1
Cor. 9:19). He wanted his followers to see him not just as a leader, but as a fellow servant
working in the ministry. He did not try to Lord his status over them, even though he had the
authority to do so. He met them at their level so they could see the true heart of a servant of
Christ. He connected with his followers and shared in their struggles and persecutions. So often,
3 Ibid., 63.
4 Ibid.
5 Ibid.

leaders get so disconnected from their followers because of their lofty titles and forget that it
was God who set them over their congregations. May we all look to Paul as an example of
someone who, like Christ, humbled himself in order to be the pastor/servant that God needed
him to be.

WC 746