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Jesus the Evangelist: Learning to Share the Gospel from the Book of John
Rev. Richard D. Phillips digs into the early chapters of the Gospel of John to discover principles for Christian outreach that were modeled by witnesses for Jesus and by Jesus Himself. Phillips unfolds biblical principles for evangelism by examining the ministry of John the Baptist and the calling of the first of Jesus disciples. Then, through a brief study of the Lord's encounter with the Pharisee Nicodemus, he presents us with a theology of the gospel. Finally, he focuses on Jesus stirring encounter with the Samaritan woman to show exactly how Christ shared the good news. Phillips clear and concise handling of these key stories will both motivate and instruct believers in their witness on behalf of Christ.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2007
69 people are currently reading
513 people want to read
About the author
Richard D. Phillips
76 books41 followersRichard D. Phillips (MDiv, Westminster Theological Seminary) is the senior minister of Second Presbyterian Church of Greenville, South Carolina. He is a council member of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, chairman of the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology, and coeditor of the Reformed Expository Commentary series.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 12, 2015
This book gave me a new perspective on the book of John and has many practical applications for sharing the good news of the gospel. The people we meet have the same questions as people Jesus encounters in the book of John. As we read in Ecclesiastes, "there is nothing new under the sun". As Jesus tells his disciples, "the fields are white unto the harvest" Let us follow His command and go forth! The appendix dealing with God's sovereignty and it's relationship to evangelism was especially helpful to me as well.
January 14, 2013
Phillips preached through the Gospel of John and then wrote a book analyzing the evangelistic strategy of John the Baptist and Jesus in his encounters with Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman. His material is solid, though not spectacular.
May 7, 2018
This book is exactly what the subtitle says it is – a book that teaches about evangelism by looking at some of Jesus’ encounters in the book of John. Specifically, Phillips looks at Jesus and John the Baptist, Jesus and Nicodemus, and Jesus and the woman at the well. There aren’t many strategies for evangelism in this book, it’s more of a theology of evangelism – what the basics of Christianity are, why we need to share all of them with unbelievers, what our attitude in evangelism should be, etc. The final chapter is about the sovereignty of God and evangelism.
It took me a while to get into this book. I’m not sure why, maybe because the information in the first section of the book felt really basic. I just didn’t really find myself pulled into this one until the chapters on the woman at the well. Then the book really came alive for me. The chapter on evangelism and the sovereignty of God really helped me, too. This is a great book for new Christians, but a bit less helpful for older Christians.
It took me a while to get into this book. I’m not sure why, maybe because the information in the first section of the book felt really basic. I just didn’t really find myself pulled into this one until the chapters on the woman at the well. Then the book really came alive for me. The chapter on evangelism and the sovereignty of God really helped me, too. This is a great book for new Christians, but a bit less helpful for older Christians.
September 25, 2021
The need for personal evangelism is great. This book fills that need.
I am on an evangelism committee in our local church. I read this along with other articles and a helpful book on sharing Christ. This book gives the "technique" of the Greatest Evangelist, Christ himself. I underlined a great deal of helpful information and plan to review it going forward. I heartedly recommend it to the lay church members that need the encouragement to evangelize.
I am on an evangelism committee in our local church. I read this along with other articles and a helpful book on sharing Christ. This book gives the "technique" of the Greatest Evangelist, Christ himself. I underlined a great deal of helpful information and plan to review it going forward. I heartedly recommend it to the lay church members that need the encouragement to evangelize.
April 28, 2021
Very solid book on information. Could be inspirational for some, but a lot of this is what I would consider "agreed upon" interpretation.
This is a good reference book for people already versed in the Book of John.
This is a good reference book for people already versed in the Book of John.
May 11, 2019
I thought this books was pretty good but on a real basic level. I don't mean that in a negative way and I would recommend it to anyone who is a new or young believer wanting to know more about biblical evangelism.
March 31, 2021
Phillips writes that his two main audiences for this book are Christians who are interested in theology but don't show much zeal for sharing the gospel or for Christians who are zealous in evangelism but may be lacking in biblical foundation for their witness leading to a rather watered down form of the gospel. Both audiences are in need of an upgrade.
Thus, his book, a study in John, sets out to illuminate the example of evangelism shown in Scripture that highlights the necessity for us to 'go and tell' but also to center our witness on biblical truths and facts rather than emotion, entertainment, or simply seeking (what ends up typically being shallow) success.
While I didn't find this book ground-breaking, per say, I did feel convicted in many regards and encouraged in many regards. I believe it is a book worth reading. Each chapter concludes with a list of questions that I think are great for discussions. A lot of times end-of-chapter questions are pretty fluffy and easy to skip over, but I think this book asks open-ended questions that really challenge you to reflect on the world, your experience, your heart, and ways to grow in your faith. I would definitely recommend this book as a Bible Study option.
He covers a lot of things including the elements that make an effective witness, the characteristics of genuine faith, and the power of personal testimony. He stresses our need to address sin and our need for a Savior. He doesn't advocate for one 'method' of evangelism but writes that we should be creative and use whatever opportunities God places in our path. He also emphasizes how we are not the ones doing the saving and that the Holy Spirit convicts and converts. So it's not so much a 'how to' or step-by-step guide to evangelize but is a more organic exposition of what evangelism looks like based on what the Bible tells us about John the Baptist, and Jesus' encounters with Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman. It's an effort to change the way we think about evangelism and remind us why sharing the gospel is so important.
I also appreciated the appendix Phillips included to touch on God's sovereignty and evangelism as I believe it is essential in understanding when we share the gospel. You may not be Reformed or Calvinist in your theology, but I encourage you to read it anyway and think about the implications of God's sovereignty and let it encourage you, giving you confidence, boldness, and patience.
If we are not excited about God’s Word, if we are not warmed by close fellowship with God, and if we are not humbled by Christ’s suffering on the cross for our sins, we will not be very effective witnesses.
During His life, [Christ] paid no attention to military, political, or economic affairs. But He wearied Himself down the Samaritan road to save this woman’s soul, and her witness to her neighbors was of compelling interest to our Lord. Does this not challenge our own priorities and interests? Even though we have earthly duties, isn’t what truly matters in every arena not the things of worldly concern but those things that advance the gospel and glorify God?
The divergence between Jesus’ focus and our own explains the unhappiness and lack of fulfillment many of us experience, even as Christians. Do you realize that the more self-centered we are, the more unhappy and unfulfilled we are? Are you trying to feast on an unwholesome diet of worldly amusements, earthly success, or sinful pleasure? You will never be satisfied that way! Too many Christians can recite details of all the sit-coms on TV but do not know what to say to lead a sinner to Christ. Many others feed richly on God’s Word, but because they do not serve-- and especially because they do not witness-- they find themselves strangely unfulfilled.
I am praying that God will change my priorities so they align with what Jesus deemed most important- drawing people to Him. I'm easily caught up in my own life and my own struggles and though I love theology, my zeal for sharing the Gospel is lacking and thus, what I'm actually doing to love my neighbor is also lacking. Maybe this book will help you change your priorities too. The world and this life is a mist, but eternity is long.
See more of my reviews at www.shelfreflection.com!
Thus, his book, a study in John, sets out to illuminate the example of evangelism shown in Scripture that highlights the necessity for us to 'go and tell' but also to center our witness on biblical truths and facts rather than emotion, entertainment, or simply seeking (what ends up typically being shallow) success.
While I didn't find this book ground-breaking, per say, I did feel convicted in many regards and encouraged in many regards. I believe it is a book worth reading. Each chapter concludes with a list of questions that I think are great for discussions. A lot of times end-of-chapter questions are pretty fluffy and easy to skip over, but I think this book asks open-ended questions that really challenge you to reflect on the world, your experience, your heart, and ways to grow in your faith. I would definitely recommend this book as a Bible Study option.
He covers a lot of things including the elements that make an effective witness, the characteristics of genuine faith, and the power of personal testimony. He stresses our need to address sin and our need for a Savior. He doesn't advocate for one 'method' of evangelism but writes that we should be creative and use whatever opportunities God places in our path. He also emphasizes how we are not the ones doing the saving and that the Holy Spirit convicts and converts. So it's not so much a 'how to' or step-by-step guide to evangelize but is a more organic exposition of what evangelism looks like based on what the Bible tells us about John the Baptist, and Jesus' encounters with Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman. It's an effort to change the way we think about evangelism and remind us why sharing the gospel is so important.
I also appreciated the appendix Phillips included to touch on God's sovereignty and evangelism as I believe it is essential in understanding when we share the gospel. You may not be Reformed or Calvinist in your theology, but I encourage you to read it anyway and think about the implications of God's sovereignty and let it encourage you, giving you confidence, boldness, and patience.
If we are not excited about God’s Word, if we are not warmed by close fellowship with God, and if we are not humbled by Christ’s suffering on the cross for our sins, we will not be very effective witnesses.
During His life, [Christ] paid no attention to military, political, or economic affairs. But He wearied Himself down the Samaritan road to save this woman’s soul, and her witness to her neighbors was of compelling interest to our Lord. Does this not challenge our own priorities and interests? Even though we have earthly duties, isn’t what truly matters in every arena not the things of worldly concern but those things that advance the gospel and glorify God?
The divergence between Jesus’ focus and our own explains the unhappiness and lack of fulfillment many of us experience, even as Christians. Do you realize that the more self-centered we are, the more unhappy and unfulfilled we are? Are you trying to feast on an unwholesome diet of worldly amusements, earthly success, or sinful pleasure? You will never be satisfied that way! Too many Christians can recite details of all the sit-coms on TV but do not know what to say to lead a sinner to Christ. Many others feed richly on God’s Word, but because they do not serve-- and especially because they do not witness-- they find themselves strangely unfulfilled.
I am praying that God will change my priorities so they align with what Jesus deemed most important- drawing people to Him. I'm easily caught up in my own life and my own struggles and though I love theology, my zeal for sharing the Gospel is lacking and thus, what I'm actually doing to love my neighbor is also lacking. Maybe this book will help you change your priorities too. The world and this life is a mist, but eternity is long.
See more of my reviews at www.shelfreflection.com!
August 2, 2017
This is a good exposition of several passages from the Gospel of John where Phillips looks at Jesus' practice of evangelism. He focuses primarily on Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman at the well. It is not necessarily a practical guidebook on evangelism, as it is foundational.
Phillips is concerned with the significance of the gospel, its centrality to human relationships, and the need for all to hear and submit to the it. It is full of practical wisdom and anecdotes about how simple things, like telling someone of a good church in your town can reap great rewards for the kingdom.
It is not groundbreaking, but it is a good book that most would do well to read.
Phillips is concerned with the significance of the gospel, its centrality to human relationships, and the need for all to hear and submit to the it. It is full of practical wisdom and anecdotes about how simple things, like telling someone of a good church in your town can reap great rewards for the kingdom.
It is not groundbreaking, but it is a good book that most would do well to read.
August 8, 2014
A great find. An exposition of the Bible's teaching on the "e" word of the title - a word that scares and confuses Christians just as much as those they try to approach.
The book is written for lay comprehension, yet brims with theological, spiritual and pastoral insight.
His close reading of John is especially helpful, as it provides insight into how Jesus conveyed his divine message in flesh and blood terms.
The Appendix on God's active role in the work He shares with His people is a moving conclusion to this fine book.
The book is written for lay comprehension, yet brims with theological, spiritual and pastoral insight.
His close reading of John is especially helpful, as it provides insight into how Jesus conveyed his divine message in flesh and blood terms.
The Appendix on God's active role in the work He shares with His people is a moving conclusion to this fine book.
March 3, 2014
This was a solid book about evangelism grounded in scripture. Phillips camps out in the book of John, focusing on the interaction between Jesus and Nicodemus and Jesus and the woman at the well. More principles regarding the gospel and evangelism were explained from these passages than I thought possible. The last chapter was excellent, "The Sovereignty of God in Evangelism". It was both practical and encouraging.
November 23, 2014
Great commentary. Phillips goes into a lot of much needed depth on how to effectively and Biblically talk about the Gospel with others. As great as the book is, I found the appendix to be the most valuable portion of this. He goes into detail on God's sovereignty and why what we do still matters. Maybe it's just because this is something I often grapple with myself, but I really found the last part to be the most helpful.
March 6, 2016
The minister/author talks about evangelism from the perspective of the Gospel of John. He starts with John the Baptist, covers Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus, and concludes with Jesus' evangelism of the woman at the well. He shows that evangelism begins by showing love but doesn't shy away from telling hard truths.
He even gets into a discussion of predestination and determines that even if God has predestined someone to be saved, someone still needs to share the Gospel with them.
He even gets into a discussion of predestination and determines that even if God has predestined someone to be saved, someone still needs to share the Gospel with them.
August 21, 2013
This is an excellent book for any follower of Jesus who wishes to follow in His footsteps and share His message with the world. It is simply written and brings out the essentiality of Jesus in a very profound way!!
April 11, 2014
Decent book...did a group study using the book. Author had some good points, I've always liked john 4 and I use that chapter to teach already on evangelism so this added some good things to what I already use I training.
July 22, 2014
Well written and spot on.
Well written and spot on.
written plain enough that anyone can understand, and uses verse by verse teaching. really opened my eyes to what part of my calling is to be.
Well written and spot on.
written plain enough that anyone can understand, and uses verse by verse teaching. really opened my eyes to what part of my calling is to be.
August 28, 2014
He does a good job on explaining the Reformed Theology's view on the heart of evangelism. I thought he overreached on some of his conclusions from Jesus' encounters with people, but his historical examples and heart for evangelism made up for many flaws.
April 5, 2020
Loved this book!
There are so many books on evangelism out there, I really liked this one because it teaches us to learn from Christ. If you’re wanting a quick read about how Jesus interacted with people and why he came, check this book out!
There are so many books on evangelism out there, I really liked this one because it teaches us to learn from Christ. If you’re wanting a quick read about how Jesus interacted with people and why he came, check this book out!
February 11, 2011
My review is at http://ericrowell.net/book-reviews/je...
April 5, 2015
A recommenced read from my mentor Kipp Soncek
December 16, 2014
Good informative discussion of the different perspectives of John the Baptist, Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman at the Well regarding their encounters with Jesus and the Gospel.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews