Timothy, "But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." (II Timothy 4:5). What then is the work of an evangelist?

A preacher is a herald, proclaiming the good news of salvation. Hence, a preacher reaches out to the lost to guide them to the words which will save their souls. "So, for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:15-16). Paul warned Timothy to keep his teaching accurate, "Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you." (I Timothy 4:16). God chose this seemingly foolish method to save mankind. "For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe." (I Corinthians 1:21).

However, it is a mistake to think that a preacher's duties only relate to those who are lost. An evangelist is one of those placed by Christ to build up his people (Ephesians 4:11-13). Hence, a preacher must teach Christians how to live in accordance with God's will (I Timothy 4:11,13). He gives encouragement to fellow Christians, exhorting them to do what is right (I Timothy 4:13; II Timothy 4:2; Titus 2:15).

Part of that teaching is the public declaration of God's will. "But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine." (Titus 2:1). "This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men." (Titus 3:8). "Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching." (I Timothy 4:13). Such teaching is also a part of a congregation's worship (I Corinthians 14:26).

Obviously, such duties requires a preacher to know God's word very well. "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth." (II Timothy 2:15). In our society, many preachers attend formal schools to learn the word of God in depth. However, this is not the way it was originally done. Timothy’s knowledge of the Scriptures came from his training in early childhood (II Timothy 1:5; 2:14-15). He then traveled extensively with Paul and other preachers (Acts 16:1-3). Besides Paul, Timothy spent a good bit of time in the company of Silas (Acts 17:14-15; 18:15). Soon Timothy was being sent to various congregations by Paul either in the company of another preacher or alone. Hence, we learn that preachers are responsible for the training of other preachers. “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (II Timothy 2:2).