What Does the Bible Say About Missions?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary is a devoted Bible student who loves sharing her knowledge, inspiring others with faith-filled insights, and deepening spiritual understanding through writing.

Missions are at the heart of the Bible’s message.

From the very beginning, God’s plan has been to bring people from every nation to know and worship Him.

The Bible is filled with stories of God calling His people to go, share His truth, and spread His love.

But what exactly does the Bible say about missions?

Are missions only for pastors and missionaries, or does every believer have a role?

Understanding the biblical foundation of missions helps us see why it is not just an option, but a command from God.

Missions are about bringing the gospel to the world, and the Bible shows us how and why this is so important.

God’s Mission from the Beginning

Missions did not begin with the New Testament.

God’s plan for reaching the world started in the Old Testament.

When God called Abraham, He gave him a promise that would impact all nations.

Genesis 12:1-3 says,

“The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people, and your father’s household to the land I will show you.

I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.

I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.’”

This promise was not just for Abraham and his descendants—it was for the whole world.

God wanted to use Israel to bless every nation by revealing Himself through them.

Later, the prophet Isaiah spoke about Israel’s role in missions, saying in Isaiah 49:6,

“I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”

God’s plan was never to keep His message to one group of people.

He wanted His salvation to spread everywhere, to every tribe and every language.

The Great Commission: Jesus’ Command for Missions

When Jesus came, He made God’s mission even clearer.

After His resurrection, He gave His followers one of the most important instructions in the Bible—the Great Commission.

Matthew 28:19-20 records Jesus’ words,

“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 everything I have commanded you.

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And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

This command was not just for the disciples—it was for all believers.

Jesus did not tell His followers to stay in one place and wait for people to come to them.

He told them to go into all the world and make disciples.

Mark 16:15 adds,

“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’”

Missions are not just about helping people with physical needs; they are about bringing the good news of Jesus to those who have never heard it.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Missions

Jesus did not expect His followers to go on missions alone.

He promised them power through the Holy Spirit.

In Acts 1:8, Jesus told His disciples,

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

This verse outlines God’s mission plan.

The disciples were to start in Jerusalem, then move to the surrounding regions, and finally take the gospel to the whole world.

The Holy Spirit is the one who empowers believers for missions.

Throughout the book of Acts, we see how the Spirit led the apostles, opened doors for the gospel, and gave them boldness to share their faith.

Without the Holy Spirit, missions would be impossible.

But with His help, the gospel continues to spread across the world today.

Paul: A Model for Mission Work

No one in the New Testament shows the power of missions more than the apostle Paul.

Before he met Jesus, Paul (then known as Saul) persecuted Christians.

But after his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9), he became one of the greatest missionaries in history.

Paul traveled across the Roman Empire, preaching, planting churches, and writing letters that make up much of the New Testament.

Romans 15:20 describes his passion for missions:

“It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.”

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Paul was not content to stay where the gospel was already known.

He wanted to reach those who had never heard about Jesus.

His life shows that missions require dedication, sacrifice, and a heart for the lost.

Paul endured persecution, imprisonment, and hardships, but he never stopped sharing the gospel.

His example challenges every believer to take part in God’s mission.

The Local Church and Missions

Missions are not just for individual believers; the local church plays a crucial role.

Acts 13:2-3 describes how the early church sent out missionaries:

“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.’

So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.”

This shows that missions are a team effort.

Churches are called to send, support, and pray for missionaries.

Even if someone is not called to go to another country, they can still be part of missions by giving, encouraging, and praying for those who are called to go.

Romans 10:14-15 asks an important question:

“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in?

And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?

And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?

And how can anyone preach unless they are sent?”

Missions require senders and goers.

Both are essential in spreading the gospel.

Overcoming Fear and Obstacles in Missions

Many people hesitate when it comes to missions because of fear.

Some fear rejection, while others worry about leaving their comfort zones.

But the Bible reminds us that God is always with those who step out in faith.

Joshua 1:9 encourages,

“Have I not commanded you?

Be strong and courageous.

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Jesus also reassured His followers in Matthew 10:19-20,

“But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it.

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At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

Sharing the gospel may bring challenges, but God promises to give His people the words, strength, and courage they need.

Missions Are for Every Believer

Many people assume that missions are only for pastors or those who go overseas, but the Bible makes it clear that every believer has a role.

Second Corinthians 5:20 says,

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.

We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”

Every Christian is an ambassador for Christ, meaning that missions start in everyday life.

Whether at work, school, or in the neighborhood, believers are called to share their faith.

Matthew 5:16 reminds us,

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Missions are not just about traveling to distant countries.

They are about being faithful to share the gospel wherever God has placed us.

Final Thoughts

The Bible is clear—missions are not just a good idea, but a command from God.

From the Old Testament to the New Testament, God’s desire has always been to bring people from every nation to Himself.

Jesus gave the Great Commission to all believers, calling them to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, missions continue today, changing lives and bringing hope.

Every believer has a role in missions, whether by going, sending, giving, or praying.

The question is not whether missions are important, but whether we are willing to obey God’s call.

The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few—will you be part of God’s mission?