a general name given to those who write or preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The word is of Greek origin, signifying one who publishes glad tidings, or is the messenger of good news.

According to Hooker, evangelists were presbyters of principal sufficiency, whom the apostles sent abroad, and used as agents in ecclesiastical affairs, wheresoever they saw need.

The term evangelist, however, is at present confined to the writers of the four gospels.