Answer
The saying “preach the gospel and, if necessary, use words” is traditionally attributed to the medieval Catholic friar, Francis of Assisi (1181—1226). However, there is no historical or literary evidence that he said it. Despite the lack of clarity concerning its origin, the saying remains popular in discussions promoting Christian missions and evangelism. It highlights the importance of doing good works as an effective witness for Christianity. However, the saying falls short of reflecting the Bible’s teaching on how to spread the gospel because the New Testament emphasizes that words are necessary to share the good news of Jesus Christ.
In the Gospels, Jesus provides a clear example of the importance of preaching the gospel with words. For instance, Mark reports that at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, He “went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God.” Jesus did more than merely perform good works for the Galileans. He also spoke, saying, “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:14–15). Alongside His preaching, Jesus also performed good works in Galilee, such as exorcizing a demon and healing the sick (Mark 1:23–26, 29–34). However, these miracles supported His words—they did not replace them.
Furthermore, Jesus specifically instructed His disciples to use words when preaching the gospel. For instance, when Jesus sent out the twelve disciples, He told them to proclaim the message verbally and reinforce it through their deeds. He said, “As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near’” (Matthew 10:7). Then He told them to perform good works, saying, “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, and drive out demons” (verse 8).
Similarly, Jesus told His disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20). The command, “teaching them,” highlights Jesus’ emphasis on the necessity of using words when spreading the gospel. We must preach the gospel, and it is necessary to use words.
Following Jesus’ example and obeying His instructions, the apostles also used words to preach the gospel. Peter proclaimed the good news in Jerusalem, saying, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Similarly, Philip used words to preach the gospel, which he supported with good deeds. According to Acts, “Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there” (Acts 8:5). Then, “when the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said” (verse 6). Later, on the road to Gaza, Phillip shared the gospel once more with an Ethiopian traveler. Using words, he “told him the good news about Jesus” (verse 35).
Similarly, Paul’s example and teachings demonstrate the importance of using words when preaching the gospel. Shortly after his conversion, Paul began proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God using words (e.g., Acts 9:20; 13:16–41). Paul also verbally witnessed in a philosophical and theological discussion in Athens about the “unknown god” and the resurrection of Jesus (Acts 17:22–31). In Corinth, he devoted a significant amount of time to teaching the Word of God (Acts 18:1–11). In Ephesus, he persuasively argued about the kingdom of God, first in the synagogue and later at the hall of Tyrannus (Acts 19:8–10). Using words was central to Paul’s evangelistic efforts.
Likewise, in his letters Paul instructed Christians to use words when preaching the gospel. To the Romans, he wrote, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” (Romans 10:14; cf. 2 Timothy 4:2).
Good works play an important role in evangelism, but they cannot be a substitute for words. Actions like providing for someone’s physical needs or befriending a widow are undoubtedly acts of love, and they do “preach” in a manner of speaking. However, these deeds alone do not communicate the crucial message that the recipient is a sinner separated from God, nor do they reveal that God sent Jesus to the world to redeem humanity (Romans 3:23; John 3:16). It is impossible for our actions to convey that Jesus’ death on the cross served as an atonement for sin or that He rose from the dead three days later (1 John 4:10; Matthew 28:5–6). So, actions can reinforce the message of the gospel, they are insufficient without the essential use of words in its proclamation.
The saying “preach the gospel and, if necessary, use words” is a good reminder that our actions are important. We dare not allow our behavior to contradict our message. But actions alone are insufficient without the essential use of words in the gospel’s proclamation.