Topical Encyclopedia
MissionThe concept of mission in the Bible is deeply rooted in the divine mandate to spread the message of God's salvation and to make disciples of all nations. This mission is primarily encapsulated in the Great Commission, as recorded in
Matthew 28:18-20 : "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 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 all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"
The mission of the Church is to continue the work of Jesus Christ, who came to seek and save the lost (
Luke 19:10). This mission is not limited to a specific group but extends to all people, reflecting God's desire for all to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (
1 Timothy 2:4). The early Church exemplified this mission through the apostles' dedication to preaching the Gospel, as seen in
Acts 1:8 : "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
The apostle Paul, a pivotal figure in the New Testament, embodies the missionary spirit. His journeys and epistles reveal a relentless commitment to spreading the Gospel, often at great personal cost. In
Romans 1:16 , Paul declares, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek."
CommunicationCommunication in the biblical context is the means by which God's message is conveyed to humanity. The Bible itself is a divine communication, inspired by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness (
2 Timothy 3:16). The prophets of the Old Testament served as God's spokesmen, delivering His messages to the people. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is the ultimate revelation of God, the Word made flesh (
John 1:14).
Effective communication of the Gospel requires clarity, truthfulness, and love.
Ephesians 4:15 instructs believers to speak the truth in love, growing in every way into Christ. The apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of clear communication in
1 Corinthians 14:9 : "So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air."
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in communication, empowering believers to speak boldly and effectively. In
Acts 4:31 , after the believers prayed, "the place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly."
The use of parables by Jesus is a notable example of effective communication. Parables were simple, relatable accounts that conveyed profound spiritual truths, engaging listeners and prompting reflection. This method highlights the importance of context and relatability in communication.
In the modern context, communication technology offers unprecedented opportunities for mission work. The internet, social media, and other digital platforms enable the rapid dissemination of the Gospel, reaching audiences across the globe. However, this also requires discernment and wisdom to ensure that the message remains faithful to Scripture and is communicated with integrity and love.