A Biblical A Biblical Perspective of Perspective of

Missions in the NTMissions in the NT““How shall they call upon Him in How shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?preach unless they are sent?”” Rom Rom 10:14-1510:14-15

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MessiahMessiah’’s Global Planss Global Plans

Observe the implication in His introduction: Observe the implication in His introduction: ““Savior Savior of the of the worldworld””

Paul clarified the purpose of the Messiah was Paul clarified the purpose of the Messiah was always for the nations: always for the nations: ““Now it was not written for his Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him [Abraham], but sake alone that it was imputed to him [Abraham], but also for us.also for us.”” (Rom 4:2-4). (Rom 4:2-4).

Examine the various forms of the Examine the various forms of the ““Great Great CommissionCommission””

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Global Purpose in Preparation Global Purpose in Preparation for Messiahfor Messiah

In ministry to GentilesIn ministry to GentilesMoney changers corrupted Court of Gentiles (Jn 2:13-22)Money changers corrupted Court of Gentiles (Jn 2:13-22)Ministry to SamariaMinistry to SamariaMinistry to Roman Centurion (Mat 8:10-11)Ministry to Roman Centurion (Mat 8:10-11)

In HisIn His teachingteaching Implication of preferred title, Implication of preferred title, ““Son of manSon of man”” (more universal) (more universal)

instead of instead of ““son of Davidson of David”” (more Jewish) (more Jewish) Israel was Israel was ““salt of salt of earthearth”” and and ““light of light of worldworld””Luke 10:29-31 Luke 10:29-31 commended Gentile faith commended Gentile faith as the bestas the bestParable of Wheat and Tares (Mt 13:36-43) where Parable of Wheat and Tares (Mt 13:36-43) where ““fieldfield”” is is

the the ““worldworld”” (13:38), not just Israel or even the Church! (13:38), not just Israel or even the Church!3

Global Purpose in Preparation Global Purpose in Preparation for Messiahfor Messiah

In Gospel description of Jesus:In Gospel description of Jesus:““Savior of the Savior of the worldworld”” (Jn 4:42) (Jn 4:42)““Light of the Light of the worldworld”” (Jn 8:12) come to (Jn 8:12) come to

““save the save the worldworld”” (12:47) (12:47)Prayed that Prayed that ““the the worldworld may believe that may believe that

Thou didst send MeThou didst send Me”” (Jn 17:21) (Jn 17:21)

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Transition from Israel to ChurchTransition from Israel to ChurchGreat Commission was not a surpriseGreat Commission was not a surprise

With rejection of their Messiah, a gradual shift to a With rejection of their Messiah, a gradual shift to a UNIVERSAL OFFERING, especially in last monthsUNIVERSAL OFFERING, especially in last months

NIV John 10:16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

NIV John 12:23 Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many (“all kinds of”) seeds.

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Transition from Israel to ChurchTransition from Israel to Church

NIV Matthew 21:43 "Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you [Israel] and given to a people who will produce its fruit.”

NIV Matthew 24:14 “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations [ethne], and then the end will come.”

Mat 25:31-46 describes the judgment following His return, which presumes the fulfillment of the universal evangelism task

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Imperative of the Great CommissionImperative of the Great Commission

40 days after resurrection—Greatest burden on His 40 days after resurrection—Greatest burden on His heart—the heart—the fivefive reiterations of the Great Commission reiterations of the Great Commission comprise 50% of His recorded wordscomprise 50% of His recorded words in post- in post-resurrection ministry!resurrection ministry!

MarkMark’’s Versions Version: Resurrection night (Mk 16:14-20) : Resurrection night (Mk 16:14-20) Jesus gave the Jesus gave the Activity DimensionActivity Dimension,, ““GoGo”” and and ““preacpreachh”” to all to all ““creationcreation”” or or mankind. mankind.

JohnJohn’’s Versions Version: Jesus gave the : Jesus gave the Comparative Comparative dimensiondimension, Jn 20:19-23, Jn 20:19-23““AsAs the Father has sent me, the Father has sent me, so send I you.so send I you.””

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Matthew 28:18-20Matthew 28:18-20

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Misinterpretation of Misinterpretation of CommissionCommission

Only given to the Apostles and fulfilled in First Century Only given to the Apostles and fulfilled in First Century ADAD

If the heathen are lost, it is their own fault — we have no If the heathen are lost, it is their own fault — we have no responsibilityresponsibility

These are the majority views of the Protestant These are the majority views of the Protestant Reformation (Lutherans, Calvinists, etc)Reformation (Lutherans, Calvinists, etc)

Wrong view because:Wrong view because: Command is to make disciples of Command is to make disciples of ““all nationsall nations”” He would accompany us He would accompany us ““alwaysalways”” [ [everyone of the dayseveryone of the days]] To complete the task He promised His presence To complete the task He promised His presence untiluntil the the ““end end

of the ageof the age”” (lit. (lit. ““completion, close or conclusioncompletion, close or conclusion””), ), thus the thus the command is still operativecommand is still operative

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JesusJesus’’ Parting Words— Parting Words—

LukeLuke’’s 2 Versionss 2 Versions: : Power dimensionPower dimension Luke 24:46-48Luke 24:46-48

Repentance for forgiveness to be preached = as Repentance for forgiveness to be preached = as important as death and resurrection if people are to be important as death and resurrection if people are to be saved– it is a saved– it is a repentant faithrepentant faith, not just a praying faith!, not just a praying faith!

Must proclaim to Must proclaim to ““all all nationsnations”” – –ethnosethnos, , ““ethnic groupsethnic groups”” or or ““people groupspeople groups””

Promised Promised SpiritSpirit’’s power to fulfill this s power to fulfill this mission mission impossibleimpossible Though prophetic in nature, Though prophetic in nature, ““His wish becomes our commanHis wish becomes our comman

dd””

Acts 1:8 Acts 1:8 Amplify the Amplify the Geographic DimensionsGeographic Dimensions of the of the Commission, Commission, ““Jerusalem, Judah, Samaria, unto the Jerusalem, Judah, Samaria, unto the remotest part of the earthremotest part of the earth..””

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Acts: The Church Acts: The Church to the Worldto the World

NIV Acts 22:21 "Then the Lord said to me, 'Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”

Acts 26:17b-18 “…the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”

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Acts: The Church Acts: The Church to the Worldto the World

Leader was crucified, treasurer sold out, chief spokesman denied the faith, remnant scattered cowardly

“Kosher” Palestinian Jews told to change the world = Mission Impossible

God plan was Ten Sequential events in Acts to thrust the apostles into the wild Gentile world

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Ten Steps to the Ten Steps to the WorldWorld

1.1. Door of faith to Israel on Pentecost (Ac 2)Door of faith to Israel on Pentecost (Ac 2)

2.2. Door of faith to Samaritans (Ac 8)Door of faith to Samaritans (Ac 8)

3.3. Door of faith to Jewish proselytes (Ethiopian in Ac 8)Door of faith to Jewish proselytes (Ethiopian in Ac 8)

4.4. Door of faith to Gentile Cornelius and family (Ac 10)Door of faith to Gentile Cornelius and family (Ac 10)

5.5. Founding an integrated church in Antioch (Ac 11)Founding an integrated church in Antioch (Ac 11)

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Ten Steps to the Ten Steps to the WorldWorld

6.6. Sending out first cross cultural evangelists Sending out first cross cultural evangelists (missionaries) Ac 13(missionaries) Ac 13

7.7. Conversion of many Gentiles (Ac 13)Conversion of many Gentiles (Ac 13)

8.8. Conversion of idolatrous pagans (Ac 14)Conversion of idolatrous pagans (Ac 14)

9.9. Jerusalem Council endorses Gentile Salvation (Ac Jerusalem Council endorses Gentile Salvation (Ac 15)15)

10.10. Evangelistic missionary tours throughout Roman Evangelistic missionary tours throughout Roman Empire (Ac 16-28)Empire (Ac 16-28)

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Power of Pentecost—Promise of Power of Pentecost—Promise of the Father– the Spiritthe Father– the Spirit’’s New s New

MinistriesMinistries

Acts 2: Acts 2: Spirit baptism constituted the Body of Christ, Spirit baptism constituted the Body of Christ, the Church-the Church-1 Cor 12:13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body

Spirit Spirit filledfilled disciples were a bold witness of disciples were a bold witness of resurrectionresurrectionSince salvation depends on Since salvation depends on PREVIOUSPREVIOUS work of Spirit— work of Spirit—

drawing, conviction, illuminating, teaching and providential drawing, conviction, illuminating, teaching and providential enabled hearing—the filling of the speaker is vital (2:4; 4:8, enabled hearing—the filling of the speaker is vital (2:4; 4:8, 31, 33; 5:32; 6:4; 8:55)31, 33; 5:32; 6:4; 8:55)

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Power of Pentecost—Promise of Power of Pentecost—Promise of the Father– the Spiritthe Father– the Spirit’’s New s New

MinistriesMinistries

On day of Pentecost the missionary purpose of On day of Pentecost the missionary purpose of Church affirmed by sign of Church affirmed by sign of diverse ethnic diverse ethnic languageslanguages ( (16 dialects mentioned 16 dialects mentioned in 2:9-11)in 2:9-11)Peter quoted Joel 2 to show SIMILARITY, not Peter quoted Joel 2 to show SIMILARITY, not

prophetic fulfillment (which is still a millennial promise)prophetic fulfillment (which is still a millennial promise)Peter wanted to emphasize the GLOBAL aspect of Peter wanted to emphasize the GLOBAL aspect of

GodGod’’s plan (2:17), [s plan (2:17), [““on all flesh…on all flesh…””]]Speaking in other languages was prophesized as a Speaking in other languages was prophesized as a

SIGN to unbelieving Israel (1 Cor 14:20-22)SIGN to unbelieving Israel (1 Cor 14:20-22)Note: there were three signs (mighty sound as a Note: there were three signs (mighty sound as a

tornado, small fire symbols, and foreign languages)tornado, small fire symbols, and foreign languages)16

How GodHow God’’s Point Man Opens Doors of s Point Man Opens Doors of FaithFaith

Peter commissioned to use the Peter commissioned to use the ““keys to the keys to the kingdom of heavenkingdom of heaven”” (not heaven itself) (not heaven itself)For 8-12 years ministry ONLY to the Jews (Acts 11:19, For 8-12 years ministry ONLY to the Jews (Acts 11:19,

““……telling the message only to Jews.”

Acts 4Acts 4: Samaritan inclusion considered half-breed : Samaritan inclusion considered half-breed apostates since Assyrian repopulation in 700 BC, apostates since Assyrian repopulation in 700 BC, then enemies to Nehemiahthen enemies to Nehemiah’’s reconstruction (400 s reconstruction (400 BC)BC)Peter did not initiate ministry, but was required to make it Peter did not initiate ministry, but was required to make it

OFFICIAL.OFFICIAL.A radical step, but still not as difficult as a GentileA radical step, but still not as difficult as a Gentile

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Opens Doors of FaithOpens Doors of Faith

Acts 8: Acts 8: Proselyte converted (Philip and Proselyte converted (Philip and Ethiopian)Ethiopian)Example of how the Spirit led a key person to penetrate Example of how the Spirit led a key person to penetrate

a new populationa new population

Acts 10: Acts 10: Gentile PenetrationGentile PenetrationGod made sure Peter got to the right place at the right God made sure Peter got to the right place at the right

time with the right message to the right person!time with the right message to the right person!Supernatural languages, Gentile languages, proved Supernatural languages, Gentile languages, proved

God was working equally with GentilesGod was working equally with GentilesJewish leaders in Jerusalem not easily convinced Jewish leaders in Jerusalem not easily convinced

(11:15-17)(11:15-17)Took identical SIGN of Pentecost to convince them Took identical SIGN of Pentecost to convince them

(11:18) that all Gentiles equally part of Church(11:18) that all Gentiles equally part of Church

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Unique church at Unique church at AntiochAntioch

Acts 11: Acts 11: First multiethnic church: 10-12 years since First multiethnic church: 10-12 years since PentecostPentecostJews of dispersion only preached to Jews (Ac 11:19)Jews of dispersion only preached to Jews (Ac 11:19)Horribly shocking to Jewish Christians of JerusalemHorribly shocking to Jewish Christians of JerusalemFinally the ONE BODY was being realizedFinally the ONE BODY was being realized Eph 3:2-6 “…

the stewardship of God's grace which was given to me for you; 3 that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery..., 5 which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; 6 …, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel,

Disciples first called Disciples first called ““ChristiansChristians”” at Antioch at AntiochNot a split of Judaism but a wholly new entityNot a split of Judaism but a wholly new entity19

First Missionary Sending ChurchFirst Missionary Sending Church

Not only proved Gentiles could be incorporated into the Not only proved Gentiles could be incorporated into the church, but proved they could be won in large numberschurch, but proved they could be won in large numbers

Acts 13Acts 13: Soon Gentiles became leaders in churches (all : Soon Gentiles became leaders in churches (all Gentile names except Barnabas and Saul)Gentile names except Barnabas and Saul)

The Spirit showed the church to release their chief The Spirit showed the church to release their chief leadersleaders Note: Acts 13:3, Note: Acts 13:3, ““sent them awaysent them away”” apoluoapoluo, , ““released, divorced, released, divorced,

set freeset free””, is their official release from local church responsibility, is their official release from local church responsibility Note2: Missionaries were not supported by local church!Note2: Missionaries were not supported by local church!

NoteNote: Paul had been commissioned to reach the : Paul had been commissioned to reach the Gentiles from his conversion 10 years earlierGentiles from his conversion 10 years earlier

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Acts 13Acts 13: Unique : Unique Ministry of PaulMinistry of Paul

Three contexts relate his conversion (Acts 9, 22, 26)Three contexts relate his conversion (Acts 9, 22, 26)

All 3 show how God chose him to be a unique witness All 3 show how God chose him to be a unique witness to Gentiles (Gal 2:7-9)to Gentiles (Gal 2:7-9)

10 years had passed and apostles had not left 10 years had passed and apostles had not left Jerusalem yet, eventually caught the vision, probably Jerusalem yet, eventually caught the vision, probably from Paulfrom Paul

Paul was raised bi-culturally, a Hebrew from Tarsus, a Paul was raised bi-culturally, a Hebrew from Tarsus, a Gentile cityGentile city His partner, Barnabas, also raised in Gentile culture of His partner, Barnabas, also raised in Gentile culture of

Cyprus (4:36)Cyprus (4:36) Paul was also a Roman citizenPaul was also a Roman citizen

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Focus of PaulFocus of Paul’’s First Evangelistic Journeyss First Evangelistic Journeys

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First Missionary Evangelistic First Missionary Evangelistic Team Penetrates WorldTeam Penetrates World

Half of Acts dedicated to PaulHalf of Acts dedicated to Paul

Experience in Antioch showed him how to reproduce Experience in Antioch showed him how to reproduce churches in the worldchurches in the world

Theological question arose: should Gentile converts Theological question arose: should Gentile converts first become Jews then Christians?first become Jews then Christians?

Early experiences somewhat exploratoryEarly experiences somewhat exploratory

To the Jew first (Rom 1:16) was both a sentimental and To the Jew first (Rom 1:16) was both a sentimental and practical strategy then, but ineffective todaypractical strategy then, but ineffective today

John Mark drops out probably due to John Mark drops out probably due to ““culture shockculture shock””——a Jew in a radical pagan Gentile culture—but he was a Jew in a radical pagan Gentile culture—but he was later commended by Paul in 2 Tim 4:11later commended by Paul in 2 Tim 4:11

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Breakthrough among Breakthrough among proselytes in Pisidian proselytes in Pisidian

synagoguessynagogues

Paul as a Rabbi, and Barnabas as a Levi, always got Paul as a Rabbi, and Barnabas as a Levi, always got a hearing in synagoguesa hearing in synagogues

Many Many ““God-fearingGod-fearing”” proselytes converted (13:43, proselytes converted (13:43, ““any of the Jews and of the God-fearing proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas”), because not yet ), because not yet bound by traditions of Phariseesbound by traditions of Pharisees

This approach became a This approach became a ““bridgebridge”” to the Gentile to the Gentile world. Acts 17:4, world. Acts 17:4, ““……along with a large number of the God-fearing Greeks and a number of the leading women”

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Breakthrough among Breakthrough among proselytes in Pisidian proselytes in Pisidian

synagoguessynagoguesActs 14: Acts 14: Planting churches among Galatians Planting churches among Galatians

idolaters at Lystra proved the gospel effective idolaters at Lystra proved the gospel effective even without Jewish beginningseven without Jewish beginnings

Conclusion back at home church Paul Conclusion back at home church Paul ““report all things that God had done with them and how He had open door of faithopen door of faith to Gentilesto Gentiles”” (Act 14:27) (Act 14:27)

Acts 15: Acts 15: Issue of Gentile salvation settled in Acts Issue of Gentile salvation settled in Acts 15:1-31 Jerusalem Council at about 49 AD. 15:1-31 Jerusalem Council at about 49 AD. Legalists wanted a church like Jerusalem church.Legalists wanted a church like Jerusalem church.

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22ndnd Evangelistic Journey of Paul Evangelistic Journey of Paul

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Acts 16

Acts 17

Acts 18

Acts 18:22

Acts 15:40

Acts 16-28: 30 YEARS OF COMMITMENTActs 16-28: 30 YEARS OF COMMITMENT

JerusalemJerusalem: 1000+house churches : 1000+house churches

SamariaSamaria: thousands believed, baptized and discipled: thousands believed, baptized and discipled

CaesareaCaesarea: church planted in government center: church planted in government center

AntiochAntioch: 300 miles north, 3: 300 miles north, 3rdrd largest city in Roman empire, largest city in Roman empire, Barnabas, Paul and Mark evangelized GentilesBarnabas, Paul and Mark evangelized Gentiles

Turkey, Greece and Serbia Turkey, Greece and Serbia evangelized and churches evangelized and churches planted everywhereplanted everywhere

RomeRome, center of the world, became a major center of , center of the world, became a major center of evangelism and church plantingevangelism and church planting

SpainSpain, the limit of the Roman empire. , the limit of the Roman empire. 27

33rdrd Evangelistic Journey of Paul Evangelistic Journey of Paul

28 Acts 21

Acts 18:23

Acts 19

Acts 20

Acts 21

A Mission Strategy AppearsA Mission Strategy Appears

IdentifyIdentify with lost men and women as much as with lost men and women as much as possible, not a pharisaical separationpossible, not a pharisaical separation

InvolvementInvolvement with a home church with a home church

ConcentrationConcentration on influential cities: Antioch, Philippi, on influential cities: Antioch, Philippi, Athens, Corinth, EphesusAthens, Corinth, Ephesus

LimitationLimitation of work to four provinces—instead of of work to four provinces—instead of ““spreading the newsspreading the news”” he focused and left established he focused and left established groups everywheregroups everywhere

Baptism, instruction Baptism, instruction and involvement of believers and involvement of believers as soon as possibleas soon as possible

Leadership of a Leadership of a teamteam 29