(Acts 13:14–16; 1 Timothy 2:4)
Objective: To reach all people with the Gospel. Paul had a clear strategy of contact. At every step, we evangelize as God opens opportunities.

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I. COURTESY CONTACT

Paul always began with respect, goodwill, and proper approach. Before people listen to the message, they observe the messenger.

A. Establish goodwill with the people and community leaders

• Proverbs 3:3–4 – “So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.”
• Acts 2:47 – The early church had “favour with all the people.”
  Goodwill opens doors that hostility and arrogance will close.

B. Meet the people; make friends with the people

(Luke 16:9; examples: Daniel, Joseph, Paul)

• Luke 16:9 – “Make to yourselves friends…” meaning use your opportunities to bring people toward eternal things.
• Daniel 1:9 – Daniel found favour and tender love from officials in Babylon.
• Genesis 39:21 – Joseph received favour from the keeper of the prison.
• Acts 27:3 – Paul found favour from Julius the centurion.
  Good relationships often lead to Gospel opportunities.

C. Contact respected citizens in the community; explain your business and secure their goodwill

• Acts 16:14–15 – Lydia, a respected businesswoman, opened her home and helped the ministry.
• Acts 17:4 – Many “chief women” believed after Paul contacted them.
  Paul often approached people of influence first to stabilize the work.

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II. COMMUNITY CONTACT

To reach a community, the missionary must be known, visible, and relational.

A. The missionary must gain a hearing and secure understanding from the people

• Acts 13:16 – Paul said, “Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.”
  Before teaching, he first gained their attention and respect.
• Nehemiah 2:17–18 – Nehemiah spoke to leaders, explained his mission, and gained their support.

B. Paul established personal friendships in the community

(Acts 16:14–15; 17:6–9; 18:2–3; 1 Thess. 2:8–9)

• Acts 18:2–3 – He lived and worked with Aquila and Priscilla.
• 1 Thessalonians 2:8 – “We were willing to have imparted unto you… our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.”
  He wasn’t just preaching; he was building relationships.

C. Paul knew the community from the business viewpoint – he made and sold tents

• Acts 18:3 – His work gave him relationships, credibility, and daily interaction with people.
  A missionary who works among the people understands their culture, needs, and struggles.

D. Visit people on the streets and from house to house

• Acts 20:20 – “…I kept back nothing… but have taught you publicly, and from house to house.”
  Presence in the community establishes trust and visibility.

E. Use social media, advertising, newspaper, radio, and television

Biblical principle:

• Romans 10:14–15 – People cannot believe unless they hear, and someone must proclaim.
  Any tool that helps proclaim Christ is useful for mission work.

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III. SELECTIVE EVANGELISTIC CONTACTS

These are contacts where the Holy Spirit has already prepared hearts.

A. Reaching prepared people

(Acts 13:42, 44)

• In Antioch, people begged Paul to speak again the next Sabbath.
  When people show spiritual hunger, we must respond quickly and faithfully.

B. Reaching those related to believers

(1 Peter 3:1–6; 1 Corinthians 7:14; Acts 16:31)

• 1 Peter 3:1 – Unbelieving husbands can be won “without the word” through the godly conduct of wives.
• 1 Corinthians 7:14 – The believer in a household brings spiritual influence.
• Acts 16:31 – The jailer’s whole household heard the Gospel and believed.
  Family and close relationships are powerful evangelistic bridges.

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IV. WIDESPREAD EVANGELISTIC CONTACTS

This is large-scale, broad Gospel sowing.

A. God’s plan

(2 Peter 3:9)
God “is not willing that any should perish.”
Every person is a Gospel target.

B. God’s promise

(2 Corinthians 9:6)
“He which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.”
The more we evangelize, the more we reap.

C. Team Evangelism – Paul used fellow workers wisely

Workers mentioned by Paul:

• Timothy – Philippians 2:19–22
• Luke – Colossians 4:14
• Titus – 2 Corinthians 8:23
  Paul never worked alone—he trained, partnered, and deployed workers.

D. Recruit and train people to evangelize

• Ephesians 4:11–12 – Leaders equip saints for the work of ministry.
• 2 Timothy 2:2 – “Commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”
  Evangelism is multiplied when people are trained.

E. Paul’s Pattern

1. He engaged in evangelism himself

• Acts 20:20–21 – He preached publicly and from house to house.

2. He trained others to do the same work

• 2 Timothy 3:14–17 – Timothy was trained in doctrine and Scripture.
• Acts 19:9–10 – Paul taught disciples daily for two years until all Asia heard the Word.

3. He left others to continue the work for which they were trained

• Titus 1:5 – Paul left Titus in Crete “that thou shouldest set in order” the churches.
• 1 Timothy 1:3 – Timothy was left in Ephesus to strengthen the church.