Where Is "Missionary" In The Bible?

September 30, 2024

Where is "Missionary" in the Bible?

Have you ever wondered where the concept of a "missionary" comes from in the Bible? While the exact term "missionary" isn't explicitly mentioned in the Scriptures, the concept of missions and the call to spread the Gospel are deeply woven into the biblical narrative. For us, understanding these biblical references can provide a robust foundation for missions work.


The Great Commission

One of the most compelling biblical mandates for missions is found in the Great Commission. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands His disciples:

"Go therefore 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 observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”


This passage is often cited as the foundational scripture for Christian missions. Jesus' command to "make disciples of all nations" underscores the global scope of the missionary call. 


Early Biblical Missionaries


Paul and Barnabas

The Book of Acts offers numerous accounts of early missionaries. Paul and Barnabas are prime examples. Acts 13 details their selection and sending by the Holy Spirit to spread the Gospel:

"While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' Then after fasting and praying, they laid their hands on them and sent them off." (Acts 13:2-3)


Their missionary journeys across the Roman Empire highlight the spread of Christianity through preaching, teaching, and establishing churches.


Philip the Evangelist

Philip, one of the seven chosen to serve in Jerusalem, also played a significant role in spreading the Gospel. In Acts 8, Philip is led by the Holy Spirit to share the Gospel with the Ethiopian eunuch, underscoring the importance of individual missions work.

"Then the Spirit said to Philip, 'Go over and join this chariot.'...Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus." (Acts 8:29, 35)



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Missions In The Old Testament


Missions is not solely a New Testament concept. The Old Testament also contains elements of missions. The call to be a light to the nations is evident in God's covenant with Israel.


Abraham

In Genesis 12, God calls Abram (later Abraham) to leave his country and promises that through him, all the families of the earth will be blessed:

"I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing...and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." (Genesis 12:2-3)

This covenant sets the stage for the inclusive nature of God's plan for salvation.


Jonah

The story of Jonah is another clear indication of God's heart for all nations. God sends Jonah to the city of Nineveh to call its people to repentance, demonstrating His mercy and desire for other nations to know Him.

"And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?" (Jonah 4:11)


The Essence of Missions in the Bible


While the word "missionary" might not appear directly, the Bible is filled with the essence of missions. From the Great Commission to the journeys of Paul and Barnabas, and the Old Testament calls to be a blessing to the nations, Scripture provides a powerful framework for global missions. This biblical foundation underscores the importance of their work and reiterates that the call to spread the Gospel is timeless and deeply rooted in God's plan for humanity.


Learn more about how you can be part of the divine mandate to spread the Gospel and make disciples of all nations.



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