Acts 13:1-3 and 14:26-28
The selected passages from Acts frame Barnabas’ and Paul’s first missionary journey, which began and ended at the local church at Antioch. Notice that it was in the church at Antioch, while Barnabas and Saul (who would later be called Paul) were worshipping that the Sprit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul, for the work to which I have called them.” While the call was personal to Barnabas and Saul, it was not private to them. The church was involved not only in hearing the call, but also in following up on the call to separate and send them on their missionary journey. In other words, there was a direct link between the local church at Antioch and Barnabas’ and Saul’s missionary work. To further this point, when Paul and Barnabas returned from their trip, they “…gathered the church together and declared all that God had done with them, and how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles” (14:27). These two chapters provide a model for how the local church and missions should function together.
This week’s lesson focuses on the biblical connection between missionaries and the local church “back home.” Such a connection is vital to both the local church and the missionary. The heart of this lesson is expressed in the words of church historian Mendell Taylor, “The Church must send or the Church will end.” The local church is the primary source of cross-cultural missionaries. The local church should be the place where future missionaries gain a broken heart for those in distant lands who have no chance to hear the gospel … unless someone goes. The local church should be the place of greatest support for missionaries who travel to distant shores, not only financially, but also in prayer and friendship. Pastor R. A. Torrey believed that, “The man or woman at home who prays often has as much to do with the effectiveness of the missionary on the field, and consequently with the results of his or her labors, as the missionary”.
Consider the following as you reflect on this week’s devotional:
- Do you see the involvement in missions at your local church that is indicated in Acts 13-14.
- How are you involved in cross-cultural missions through your local church?
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