Missionaries play a vital role in spreading the gospel, but what does the Bible have to say about the act of going out into the world to share the Good News? From the Great Commission to stories of early missionaries like Paul, Scripture offers rich guidance on this important task. Let’s explore what the Bible says about being a missionary.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About counsel
What Does The Bible Say About missionaries
Matthew 28:19-20
“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.”
This verse is often referred to as the Great Commission. It emphasizes the call and command of Jesus for his followers to go forth and spread the message of salvation to all nations. As missionaries, we are called to make disciples by sharing the Gospel, baptizing believers, and teaching them to live according to God’s commands. The promise of Jesus being with us always gives us the confidence and assurance that we are not alone in this mission.
Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
This verse highlights the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. As missionaries, we are not expected to do the work in our own strength, but through the power of the Holy Spirit. It also emphasizes the scope of our mission, from our local communities to the farthest corners of the earth. We are called to be witnesses of Christ, sharing the good news of salvation wherever we go, even to the most remote and unreached places.
Isaiah 6:8
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!'”
This verse depicts the willingness and readiness of Isaiah to be sent by God. As missionaries, we should have a similar posture of surrender and readiness to be used by God for His purposes. It involves listening for the voice of the Lord and responding with a resounding “Here am I.” It requires a heart that is willing to go wherever God sends, even when it may be uncomfortable or challenging.
Romans 10:14-15
“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? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'”
In these verses, the apostle Paul highlights the importance of missionaries and their role in the process of salvation. He emphasizes the need for someone to preach the Gospel so that people can hear, believe, and call upon the name of the Lord. As missionaries, we have the privilege of being sent to bring the good news of Christ to those who have not yet heard. Our feet become beautiful when we carry the message of salvation to those who are in darkness.
1 Chronicles 16:24
“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”
This verse reminds us of our duty as missionaries to proclaim God’s glory and His marvelous deeds. We are called to declare His goodness among the nations and make known the miraculous works He has done. Our testimonies of God’s faithfulness and transformative power can inspire others to put their trust in Him. It is through our declaration and demonstration of His glory that hearts can be turned towards Him.
Romans 15:20
“It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.”
The apostle Paul expresses his ambition to reach the unreached and go where the name of Christ has not yet been proclaimed. As missionaries, we should have a similar desire to pioneer new territories for the Gospel. We aim to bring the message of salvation to places where it has not yet been received and establish foundations for the growth of new believers. Our goal should be to expand the Kingdom of God into new frontiers.
2 Timothy 2:2
“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”
This verse highlights the importance of discipleship and the multiplication of ministry. As missionaries, part of our calling is to raise up and train others who can continue the work of spreading the Gospel. We are to invest in reliable and qualified individuals who, in turn, will teach and disciple others. Our efforts are not limited to our own work but extend to equipping future generations to carry on the mission of making disciples.
Mark 16:15
“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’
In this verse, Jesus commissions His disciples to go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. As missionaries, we have a mandate to share the message of salvation with all people, regardless of their background or circumstances. The Gospel is for everyone, and it is our privilege to be the carriers of this life-transforming message. Our mission is not limited by geographical boundaries but extends to all creation.
Psalm 96:3
“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”
This verse echoes the call to declare God’s glory among the nations and make known His marvelous deeds. Our mission as missionaries is to bring awareness of God’s greatness to every nation and people group. We are to share the stories of God’s faithfulness, His miracles, and His redemptive work among all peoples. Our proclamation of His glory can ignite a hunger and thirst for a relationship with God among those who have not yet encountered Him.
John 20:21
“Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’
Jesus speaks these words to His disciples, affirming their commission to be sent into the world just as He was sent by the Father. As missionaries, we continue the work that Jesus began, continuing His mission of reconciliation and salvation. We are sent with the same authority and purpose to impact the lives of people, offering them the peace that can only be found in a relationship with Christ. Our mission is an extension of Jesus’ ministry on earth.
Psalm 67:2-3
“May your ways be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you.”
This psalm expresses a heartfelt prayer for God’s ways and salvation to be known throughout the earth and among all nations. It reflects a desire for all peoples to praise and worship God. As missionaries, we align our hearts with this prayer, interceding for the nations and working towards the fulfillment of this vision. We long to see people from every tribe, tongue, and nation praising and glorifying the name of Jesus.
Mark 10:45
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
This verse reminds us of the servant nature of Christ and His ultimate act of sacrificial love on the cross. As missionaries, we follow Jesus’ example of selflessness and service. Our mission is not about personal gain or recognition but about serving others and giving our lives in order to bring the message of salvation. It is through our humble service that lives are impacted and transformed by the love of Christ.
Jeremiah 1:7-8
“But the Lord said to me, ‘Do not say, “I am too young.” You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,’ declares the Lord.”
In this passage, God reassures Jeremiah of His presence and protection as the prophet fulfills his calling. As missionaries, we may sometimes feel inadequate or too young for the task at hand, but God reminds us not to be afraid. His promise to be with us and rescue us stands regardless of our age or circumstances. Our obedience to His sending and speaking emboldens us to share the Gospel without fear.
2 Corinthians 5:20
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”
In this verse, Paul defines believers as ambassadors of Christ, representing Him and carrying His message of reconciliation. As missionaries, we embody this role, standing in the gap between God and mankind. We become vessels through which God appeals to the lost, inviting them to be reconciled with Him. Our lives and testimonies serve as a bridge, conveying the love and grace of God to those who have yet to experience it.
Acts 13:47
“For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'”
In this verse, Paul quotes the words of the prophet Isaiah, affirming the purpose of believers to be a light to the Gentiles. As missionaries, we are called to shine the light of Christ in the darkest corners of the earth, bringing the message of salvation to all people groups. Through our lives and ministries, we illuminate the way to eternal life, offering hope and deliverance to those who are lost.
Psalm 105:1
“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done.”
This psalm encourages us to give praise to the Lord and proclaim His name among the nations. As missionaries, our mission is not just to share the Gospel, but also to make known the mighty works of God. We testify to His goodness, His faithfulness, and the miracles He has performed in our lives and the lives of those we minister to. By declaring His greatness, we invite others to experience the same transformative power that we have encountered.
Isaiah 52:7
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!'”
In this verse, Isaiah paints a vivid picture of the joy and beauty of those who bring the good news of salvation. As missionaries, our feet become a symbol of hope and blessing as we carry the message of peace and proclaim that God reigns. We bring tidings of hope to those living in spiritual darkness, offering them the opportunity to experience the transforming power of God’s love and salvation.
Acts 26:17-18
“I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”
In this passage, Paul recounts his encounter with Jesus and the mission he received from Him. As missionaries, we are called to open the eyes of the spiritually blind and turn them from darkness to light. We bring deliverance from the power of Satan and lead people to God, where they can receive forgiveness of sins and find belonging among the community of faith. This verse serves as a reminder of our role in facilitating personal transformation through the message of the Gospel.
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
These words from Peter highlight the identity and purpose of believers as chosen, royal, and holy. As missionaries, we carry the responsibility to declare the praises of God, proclaiming His goodness and work in our lives. We testify to the transformative power of His light, which has rescued us from darkness. Our lives and testimonies become a living proclamation of the grace and mercy we have received, inviting others to partake in the same incredible journey of redemption.
Psalm 96:10
“Say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns.’ The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.”
This psalm encourages believers to declare among the nations that the Lord reigns. As missionaries, we carry the message of God’s sovereignty and eternal stability to a world that is constantly shifting. We proclaim that the foundation of the earth is secure and that God will judge the peoples with righteousness. Our mission is to bring the assurance of God’s unwavering rule and the hope that can only be found in submitting to His righteous authority.
2 Thessalonians 3:1
“As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.”
These words of Paul emphasize the importance of prayer for the spread of the Gospel. As missionaries, we rely on the intercession and support of our fellow believers. We need their prayers for the rapid dissemination of the message and for it to be received with honor and acceptance, just as it was in the lives of those who first embraced it. Prayers sustain and empower us as we carry out the mission of making Christ known to the world.
Acts 4:12
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
This verse speaks of the exclusivity of salvation through Jesus Christ. As missionaries, we bear witness to the truth that salvation is found in Christ alone. We carry the message that there is no other name under heaven by which people can be saved. Our mission is to point others to the hope and redemption that can only come through a personal relationship with Jesus. This verse reminds us of the urgency of our task and the uniqueness of the message we proclaim.
Acts 5:20
“Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.”
In this verse, an angel instructs the apostles to go and share the message of new life found in Christ. As missionaries, we are called to stand boldly in the midst of society and declare the transformative power of the Gospel. We bring the news that through faith in Jesus, a new life is available to all who believe. Our mission is to share the life-changing message of hope, inviting others to experience the abundant and eternal life found only in Christ.
Acts 10:42
“He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead.”
In this verse, Peter recounts the commandment he received from Jesus to preach and testify about Him. As missionaries, we have the privilege and responsibility to proclaim the truth that Jesus is the appointed judge of both the living and the dead. Our mission is to invite people to accept Him as their Savior and acknowledge His reign over their lives. We carry the message of the coming judgment and the offer of forgiveness and eternal life found in Christ alone.