Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ScopeThe term "mission" in a biblical context refers to the divinely ordained task of spreading the Gospel and making disciples of all nations. This concept is rooted in the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His followers to "go and make disciples of all nations" (
Matthew 28:19). The mission encompasses evangelism, teaching, and baptizing, aiming to bring individuals into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.
Biblical FoundationThe foundation of mission work is deeply embedded in Scripture. In the Old Testament, God's covenant with Abraham includes the promise that "all the families of the earth will be blessed through you" (
Genesis 12:3), indicating a global scope for God's redemptive plan. The prophets also speak of a time when the nations will turn to the Lord (
Isaiah 2:2-3).
In the New Testament, Jesus' ministry exemplifies the mission, as He reaches out to Jews and Gentiles alike. The Gospel of Luke records Jesus' mission statement: "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor" (
Luke 4:18). After His resurrection, Jesus commissions His disciples, saying, "You will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (
Acts 1:8).
The Role of the ChurchThe early church embraced the mission mandate, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles. The church in Antioch, for example, becomes a hub for missionary activity, sending out Paul and Barnabas (
Acts 13:2-3). The apostolic letters further encourage believers to support mission work, as Paul writes to the Romans, "How can they hear without someone to preach?" (
Romans 10:14).
The church is called to be a light to the nations, reflecting the character of Christ and proclaiming His Gospel. This involves both verbal proclamation and living out the Gospel through acts of love and service. The mission is not limited to professional missionaries but is the responsibility of every believer, as Peter writes, "But you are a chosen people...that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (
1 Peter 2:9).
Challenges and OpportunitiesThroughout history, the mission has faced numerous challenges, including persecution, cultural barriers, and theological disputes. However, these challenges have often led to greater opportunities for the spread of the Gospel. The early church's persecution in Jerusalem, for instance, resulted in the dispersion of believers who "preached the word wherever they went" (
Acts 8:4).
In contemporary times, globalization and technological advancements have opened new avenues for mission work. The internet and social media provide platforms for reaching unreached people groups, while increased migration has brought the mission field to many believers' doorsteps.
Theological ImplicationsThe mission is not merely an activity of the church but is central to God's redemptive plan. It reflects God's heart for the lost and His desire for all people to come to the knowledge of the truth (
1 Timothy 2:4). The mission underscores the universal scope of the Gospel and the inclusivity of God's kingdom, transcending ethnic, cultural, and social boundaries.
ConclusionWhile the mission is a divine mandate, it is also a privilege for believers to participate in God's work of redemption. It requires reliance on the Holy Spirit, as Jesus promised, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you" (
Acts 1:8). The mission is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel and the hope it brings to a broken world.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The act of sending, or the state of being sent; a being sent or delegated by authority, with certain powers for transacting business; commission.
2. (n.) That with which a messenger or agent is charged; an errand; business or duty on which one is sent; a commission.
3. (n.) Persons sent; any number of persons appointed to perform any service; a delegation; an embassy.
4. (n.) An association or organization of missionaries; a station or residence of missionaries.
5. (n.) An organization for worship and work, dependent on one or more churches.
6. (n.) A course of extraordinary sermons and services at a particular place and time for the special purpose of quickening the faith and zeal participants, and of converting unbelievers.
7. (n.) Dismissal; discharge from service.
8. (v. t.) To send on a mission.
Greek
652. apostolos -- a messenger, one sent on amission, an apostle... a messenger, one sent on a
mission, an apostle. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: apostolos Phonetic Spelling: (ap-os'-tol-os) Short Definition
...649. apostello -- to send, send away
... by a superior.". As an of 4724 ("send"), 649 () focuses back to (the one
sending), strongly connecting (Hismission). This verb is...
4875. sunanapauomai -- to lie down to rest with, fig. to be...
... only occurs in Ro 15:32 in reference to the Roman Christians coming alongside Paul
to "struggle together" against those opposing his importantmission to help...
1248. diakonia -- service, ministry
... Word Origin from diakonos Definition service, ministry NASB Word Usage ministries
(1), ministry (19),mission (1), preparations (1), relief (1), serve (1...
4433. ptocheuo -- to be a beggar, be destitute
... 4433 ("become destitute") is only used in 2 Cor 8:9 of the physical humiliations
Christ voluntarily experienced in Hismission here on earth. See 4434 ()....
5217. hupago -- to lead or bring under, to lead on slowly, to...
... begone, die. 5217 (from 5259 , "under" and 71 , "lead away") -- properly,
to someone's authority (mission, objective). 5217 (literally...
1821. exapostello -- to send forth or away
... send away, send forth. From ek and apostello; to send away forth, ie (on amission)
to despatch, or (peremptorily) to dismiss -- send (away, forth, out)....
Strong's Hebrew
4917. mishlachath -- a discharge, deputation, sending... discharge, sending. Feminine of mishlowach; a
mission, ie (abstractly) and favorable)
release, or (concretely and unfavorable) an army -- discharge, sending.
...1870. derek -- way, road, distance, journey, manner
... 2), direction (4), distance (1), example (1), favors (1), highway (4), highway*
(1), impulses (1), journey (37), line (1), manner (4),mission (2), path (4...
Library
The ChurchMission.
... The Past Failure The ChurchMission. Now, God had and has a plan for His Church.
That plan... you. I am the Church. Itsmission is mine. If...
A HomeMission Sermon
... A HomeMission Sermon. A Sermon (No.259). Delivered on Sabbath Morning, June 26th,
1859, by the. REV. CH SPURGEON. at the Music Hall, Royal Surrey Gardens....
Whether the InvisibleMission is to all who Participate Grace?
... THEMISSION OF THE DIVINE PERSONS (EIGHT ARTICLES) Whether the invisible
mission is to all who participate grace? Objection 1: It...
The AlmoraMission.
... CHAPTER XXI. THE ALMORAMISSION. Statedmission work was commenced in
Kumaon in 1850. Previous to that time a few of its people...
TheMission in 1894
... CHAPTER XX THEMISSION IN 1894.... The staff of theMission, in May 1893, consisted
of 552 missionaries (including wives and associates)....
TheMission of the Twelve
... Strong Meat for Hungry Souls: The Gospel of St. Mark CHAPTER 6:7-13 THE
MISSION OF THE TWELVE. "And He called unto Him the twelve...
MyMission-Field.
... Each One of Us MyMission-field. The third thing is a world-wide vision.... A second
result will be that wherever we are, will be amission-field to us....
The Meaning andMission of Prayer
... I. The Meaning AndMission Of Prayer. 1. Prayer the Greatest Outlet of Power.
2. Prayer the Deciding Factor in a Spirit Conflict.3...
TheMission of the Son of Man
... TheMission of the Son of Man. A Sermon (No.204). Delivered on Sabbath Morning,
July 11, 1858, by the. REV. CH SPURGEON. at the Music Hall, Royal Surrey Gardens...
TheMission of the Christian Home.
... CHAPTER II. THEMISSION OF THE CHRISTIAN HOME. "If in the family... family worship.
What then is themission, of the Christian home? It is...
Thesaurus
Mission (14 Occurrences)... 7. (n.) Dismissal; discharge from service. 8. (vt) To send on a
mission.
Multi-Version Concordance
Mission (14 Occurrences).
...Paul (207 Occurrences)
... PAUL'S CAREER 1. Schemes 2. Crucial Points (1) The Death of Stephen (2) The Flight
from Damascus (3) The Death of Herod Agrippa I (4) The FirstMission Tour (5...
Seventy (97 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SEVENTY DISCIPLES. The account of the
designation andmission of these is found only in Luke 10....
Consist (7 Occurrences)
... The fact may perhaps be accounted for by a possible circulation of Romans among
othermission churches as an Epistle of universal interest....
Weeks (17 Occurrences)
... till the appearance of Christ; and if, with Pusey, the decree in question be taken
to be that of the 7th year of Artaxerxes (457-56 BC; themission of Ezra...
Timothy (28 Occurrences)
... Thence he followed Paul to Athens, and was sent by him with Silas on amission to
Thessalonica (17:15; 1 Thessalonians 3:2). We next find him at Corinth (1...
Transfiguration
... Son of man should have risen again from the dead." This means that, as not before,
Jesus was made to realize the sacrificial character of Hismission; was made...
Disciples (277 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SEVENTY DISCIPLES. The account of the
designation andmission of these is found only in Luke 10....
Millennium
... The Lord Jesus said nothing about world-wide conversion in His instructions to His
disciples touching theirmission (Matthew 28:19, 20 Mark 16:15 Luke 24:46-48...
Miracle (15 Occurrences)
... Miracles are seals of a divinemission.... Our Lord also appealed to miracles as a
conclusive proof of his divinemission (John 5:20, 36; 10:25, 38)....
Resources
What is the Good News Mission, and what do they believe? | GotQuestions.orgWhat should be the mission of the church? | GotQuestions.orgAre mission boards biblical? | GotQuestions.orgMission: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
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