Gospel of Mark Bible Part 31: The Principles of Evangelism [Bible Study]

Scripture Focus

Mark 6:7–13

Opening Prayer

Father, align our hearts with Your mission. Teach us to labor together, to rely on Your provision, to steward our time wisely among receptive hearers, and to keep our message centered on repentance and the good news of Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Introduction

In Mark 6:7–13, Jesus sends the Twelve on what is often called the “Limited Commission,” a restricted mission to Israel that trained them for the worldwide assignment of Mark 16:15. In these verses we see four enduring principles of evangelism that guided the apostles, shaped the early church, and still direct faithful ministry today: Working Together, Support, Selection, and Subject.

Bible Reading

“And He summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits; and He instructed them that they should take nothing for the journey, except a mere staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belt— but to wear sandals; and He added, ‘Do not put on two tunics.’ And He said to them, ‘Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave town. Any place that does not receive you or listen to you, as you go out from there, shake the dust off the soles of your feet for a witness against them.’ And they went out and preached that men should repent. And they were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing them.” Mark 6:7–13

Background

Jesus has just faced rejection at Nazareth (Mark 6:1–6). In response, He multiplies the mission by sending the Twelve “two by two,” granting authority and giving simple, clear instructions for provision and conduct. Their method (pairs, simplicity, staying put) and their message (repentance and the Kingdom) form a portable template for gospel work. Parallels: Matthew 10:5–15; Luke 9:1–6.

Key Points

I. The Principle of Working Together

• Jesus sent them “in pairs” (Mark 6:7), a pattern echoed with the seventy (Luke 10:1) and in missionary sending (Acts 13:2).• Partnership provides encouragement, accountability, complementary gifts, and corroborating testimony (cf. Ecclesiastes 4:9–10, 12; John 8:17; Proverbs 27:17; Hebrews 10:24–25; 1 Thessalonians 5:11).• Practice: plan evangelism in pairs or teams; share roles (speaker/reader, question-asker/prayer).

II. The Principle of Support

• Travel light, avoid manipulative appeals, receive ordinary hospitality, and “stay there” rather than house-hop (Mark 6:8–10; cf. Matthew 10:10; Luke 10:7).• Gospel workers may receive material support so they can devote themselves to the word (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:4–14; 1 Timothy 5:17–18), yet the model is simplicity, not luxury.• When necessary, bi-vocational service can remove hindrances (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:12, 18; 2 Thessalonians 3:8).

III. The Principle of Selection

• Remain where you are received; when a place rejects the message, leave a sober testimony and move on (Mark 6:10–11).• This is wise stewardship, not impatience—do not “cast your pearls before swine” (Matthew 7:6). Paul revisited the receptive and redirected when rejected (Acts 13:42–46).

IV. The Principle of Subject

• The apostolic message was clear: “They went out and preached that men should repent.” Mark 6:12• Keep first things first—repentance and faith in the gospel of the Kingdom (cf. Mark 1:14–15; Luke 24:46–48; Acts 17:30–31; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4).• Expository, text-anchored teaching guards against distractions by traditions or trends (cf. Colossians 2:8; 2 Timothy 4:3–4).

Application

1. Team Up: choose a partner and schedule one shared gospel touch this week (visit, neighborhood conversation, Bible study).

2. Support: identify one evangelist/mission you will materially encourage (meal, fuel card, lodging help, or a church-sent gift).

3. Select: list three “persons of peace” (receptive, available, curious) and plan a next step with each; keep praying for resistant contacts while reallocating time wisely.

4. Subject: draft a 3–4 sentence gospel summary that calls for repentance and faith; memorize it and keep it central in conversations.

Discussion Questions

1. Where have you personally experienced the strength of “two by two” in ministry?

2. What supports most free gospel workers to focus on the mission without fostering a prosperity mindset?

3. What cues help you discern receptivity versus resistance, and when to move on?

4. Which secondary topics most often crowd out the call to repent and believe in your context?

5. As a church, which of the four principles is strongest? Which needs strengthening, and what one change could we make this month?

Reflection Prompts

• This week, how will I practice partnership instead of going alone?• What simple provision can I receive with gratitude—and what excess should I refuse?• Who are my three most receptive contacts right now, and what loving next step will I take?• Can I clearly state the gospel and a call to repent in one minute?

Memory Verse

“They went out and preached that men should repent.” Mark 6:12

Prayer Focus

Pray for boldness to go, humility to receive support, wisdom to invest where God is opening hearts, and clarity to keep repentance and the gospel at the center.

Closing Challenge

This week, put all four principles into motion: go in pairs, accept simple provision, prioritize receptive hearers, and keep the message crystal clear—repent and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15).

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