Today, “missions” has become any work a local church does outside of its community to improve the lives of people living in other places. But in Acts 13-14, the clear work of missions is the proclamation of the gospel. In these two chapters we see Paul and Barnabas proclaim the gospel and persevere by the Spirit, in trouble and for the church.

But is missions necessary? Why go? Why disrupt the lives of people who otherwise seem happy or satisfied with their faith or lack of faith by sharing Christ with them? Because eternal life for everyone is at stake, and because doing the work of missions is an expression of our identity as followers of Jesus.

Scripture: Acts 13-14