What does the Bible say about missionary work by ministers?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that Christ sends His church, through called and equipped ministers, to proclaim the gospel to every people, trusting God to gather His elect through His Word. Jesus commands His disciples in Matthew 28:19 and Mark 16:15 to make disciples and preach to all creation. Luke 24:46-47 grounds this mission in Christ's death and resurrection, declaring repentance and forgiveness in His name among all nations. The Spirit sets apart workers, as in Acts 13:2, and God calls servants by grace, as Paul testifies in Galatians 1:15-16. Ministers are stewards of the mystery of Christ, laboring so that the nations may hear, worship, and glorify the Lord.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Torrey's New Topical Textbook
- Commanded Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15
- Warranted by predictions concerning the heathen, &c Isaiah 42:10-12; Isaiah 66:19
- Is according to the purpose of God Luke 24:46; Luke 24:47; Galatians 1:15; Galatians 1:16; Colossians 1:25-27
- Directed by the Holy Spirit Acts 13:2
- Required Luke 10:2; Romans 10:14; Romans 10:15
- The Holy Spirit calls to Acts 13:2
- Christ engaged in Matthew 4:17; Matthew 4:23; Matthew 11:1; Mark 1:38; Mark 1:39; Luke 8:1
- Christ sent his disciples to labour in Mark 3:14; Mark 6:7; Luke 10:1-11
- Obligations to engage in Acts 4:19; Acts 4:20; Romans 1:13-15; 1 Corinthians 9:16
- Excellency of Isaiah 52:7; Romans 10:15
- Worldly concerns should not delay Luke 9:59-62
- God qualifies for Exodus 3:11; Exodus 3:18; Exodus 4:11; Exodus 4:12; Exodus 4:15; Isaiah 6:5-9
- God strengthens for Jeremiah 1:7-9
- Guilt and danger of shrinking from Jonah 1:3; Jonah 1:4
- Requires wisdom and meekness Matthew 10:16
- Be ready to engage in Isaiah 6:8
- Aid those engaged in Romans 16:1; Romans 16:2; 2 Corinthians 11:9; 3 John 1:5-8
- Harmony should subsist amongst those engaged in Galatians 2:9
- Success of
- To be prayed for Ephesians 6:18; Ephesians 6:19; Colossians 4:3
- A cause of joy Acts 15:3
- A cause of praise Acts 11:18; Acts 21:19; Acts 21:20
- No limits to the sphere of Isaiah 11:9; Mark 16:15; Revelation 14:6
- Opportunities for, not to be neglected 1 Corinthians 16:9
- Exemplified
- Levites 2 Chronicles 17:8; 2 Chronicles 17:9
- Jonah Jonah 3:2
- The Seventy Luke 10:1; Luke 10:17
- Apostles Mark 6:12; Acts 13:2-5
- Philip Acts 8:5
- Paul &c Acts 13:2-4
- Silas Acts 15:40; Acts 15:41
- Timotheus Acts 16:3
- Noah 2 Peter 2:5
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