Day 322, November 18 Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Acts 13, 14
Taking the Gospel to the World
What is world missions? Most of us will see advertisements at Thanksgiving for World Relief or Mission Agencies. Missionary endeavors have changed a lot since they began. Still, we can learn a great deal about this unique Christian service field from Paul’s evangelistic journeys. Today, we learn about his first journey into areas of modern-day Turkey.
From the book of Acts, we recognize that the gospel was first given to the Jews of Jerusalem.
After 5,000 people were saved, God allowed persecution to disperse most of them into Judah and Samaria. He wanted them to also hear the gospel. And, because reaching out to the Gentiles was a new idea and not readily received by the Jewish Christians, God established a more non-Jewish church in Antioch of Assyria.
The Great Commission
Not long after the early church in Jerusalem is established, God begins to bring the gospel to the ends of the earth. Christians, we are a part of that continuing effort—the commission given to the early disciples of Jesus is also our spiritual ministry. Jesus says,
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:19-20, NIV).
A person may say, but I am not an evangelist or missionary. I don't have those gifts.
Who should be a career or a short-term missionary? What is involved? We can answer these questions in this Bible study. Perhaps after reading the book of Acts, God will call some of us to be missionaries.
Missionaries are faithful and committed
Who should be a missionary? In our recent Bible readings from Acts, we observe that God calls Christians who are already faithful, committed, and eager to be missionaries. Saul (Paul) and Barnabas were faithfully sharing the word of God, bringing hope and encouragement to people. They had been entrusted with responsibilities. They were tested and found faithful (more...). Are any of us interested in being a missionary? This should also be true of us.
Missionaries are Supported and Accountable
According to the early church accounts, missionaries are commissioned by their local church for the work to which God is sending them. Thus, the local church needs to be invested in prayer and help them with financial resources. The missionaries are responsible to their local church(es) to use the resources wisely. Knowing they are accountable keeps them focused and diligent in their ministries.
Missionaries are Strategic
Paul and Silas visit notable Roman cities to share the gospel so the message will reach the most significant amount of people.Missions are Cultural
When Paul and Barnabas meet with the Jews in the synagogue, they recount ancient Jewish history. They then persuade the people that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Abrahamic, Mosaic, and Davidic covenants, and the one whom the prophets predicted. When they minister to other groups besides the Jews, their approach changes, but the gospel always remains the same As Jesus instructed, they minister to the Jews first, but when their message is rejected, they focus on the ministry to the Gentiles (more...). Because of God's grace, today all Gentiles are offered salvation (more...).Missionary Work is Compassionate
God grants Paul miraculous powers to heal, and he and Barnabas do what they can to alleviate suffering. Then they share the life-giving message of the gospel wherever they travel.
The Life and Results of Missionary Work
The results of Paul and Barnabas’ missionary work were sometimes profitable and, other times, dangerous. It can be disappointing, like when John Mark, their helper in the ministry, left. Missionary work can be joyous at other times, however, such as when we see someone saved. Many are won to Christ, but Satan actively opposes and frustrates our efforts.Are we compassionate? Are we willing to share the gospel and endure adversity and possible persecution? Can we handle disappointment and being misunderstood, as well as the joys of serving Jesus? This is the life of a missionary.
Reporting and Encouraging
Paul and Barnabas return from their missionary journey to give a report of what God is doing. This is part of their accountability. Their story encourages others to be fervent in their prayers and witnesses, even if they are not called missionaries.
Christians, we may not all be called to be career or even short-term missionaries, but we should somehow be involved in world missions. If any of us want to know how we can help, we can contact the missionaries our church supports. In the meantime, we are all commissioned to reach the people in our own sphere of influence.
Endnotes: The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the N.T., edited by Walvoord and Zuck, ©1985, p.386-393
Discussion
For God to chose us as missionaries, what should first be true in our lives?
In general, what does today’s Bible reading teach us about missionaries and their ministries?
Additional resources: you may wish to read downloadable articles from The Changing Face of Missions
Focus Verses
Matthew 28:19-20, NIV
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Watch a video of today's Bible lesson. Start at 1:21:32 and end at 1:37:52
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Looking Ahead: The early Jewish church had difficulty with changes and sought to impose some restrictions on non-Jewish churches. Is Christianity–Rules or a Relationship? Find out in our Next Lesson.
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