A Biblical Theology of Mission (Pauline Mission Trips)

The book of Acts chronicles three of four Pauline mission trips. The fourth occurred likely after his release from prison in Rome (Acts 28), an outreach to Spain that he mentioned to the Roman church he wanted to make before his arrest and imprisonment (Romans 15:24,28). Several critical principles of mission can be observed from his mission trips.

The Church is Sender of Missions

In Paul’s case, the local church at Antioch sent him on mission. The church fasted and prayed and heard the Holy Spirit select Paul and Barnabas for the task. In some cases, however, a conglomeration of churches might send people on mission. Paul’s mission was international, but mission might be local as well.

Outreach Starts with Those Most Disposed to Receive the Gospel

Paul always looked to begin evangelism in a community with the synagogue, where he would have been received as a visiting rabbi or teacher. This was a theological decision as well as a practical one. The gospel of Jesus the Messiah was first for the Jews, then for the Gentiles (Romans 1:16). And the Jews were primed to hear the gospel that identified their Messiah. Today, it would likely not be the case that the Jews of a community would be open to the gospel, but there may be other groups who would be, and that could be a first step.

Baptism and Church Formation Is Foundational

Converts were always baptized, as Jesus commanded in the Great Commission, and an assembly or ecclesia was formed from the converts to give them an identity as belonging to Christ and as a platform for teaching them all things Jesus commanded, per the Great Commission. A crucial part of church formation was the appointment of leadership, always a group of “elders” (Acts 14:23) who had responsibility for the health of the local church.

Persecution Is Expected Because Churches Bear Witness to Jesus

Paul always warned churches that there would be hardship and persecution because of their commitment to Jesus (Acts 14:22), and this was only so because converts were encouraged to bear witness to Jesus.

Missions Is Directed by the Holy Spirit

On his second journey Paul tried to go to several communities that the Holy Spirit then told him not to go (Acts 16:6-10). The Spirit gave Paul a vision that directed him where to go for mission. The Spirit will direct us where and where not to evangelize.

Support Must Be Provided for Fledgling Churches

Paul would not stay in a community forever (only as long as the Spirit directed, Acts 18:9,10), but he did not leave the churches he planted on their own. He frequently visited them or sent someone from his team to visit them, and of course, wrote to them, a number of which writings have formed part of our New Testament scriptures. New converts need mentoring or discipleship.

Mission Must Seek Those Who Have Never Heard

In Romans 15:20 Paul says, “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.” Jesus said the gospel must be preached to the whole world (Matthew 24:14) before he returns. Our obligation is not finished.