How can Acts 21:6 encourage us to support missionaries in our community? The Scene at Tyre (Acts 21:6 in Context) “After saying good-bye to each other, we went aboard the ship, and they returned home.” (Acts 21:6) Key Observations from Acts 21:6 • The whole local church—wives, husbands, children—accompanied Paul and his team to the shoreline (v. 5). • They knelt and prayed together publicly before the ship departed. • Parting words and presence mattered enough that everyone made the trip to the harbor. • After farewells, the believers returned to their routines, but their partnership in the gospel continued (Philippians 1:5). Timeless Principles for Supporting Missionaries • Shared Presence: Physical presence communicates love and solidarity. • Family Involvement: Missions support is not an adults-only task; children gain a vision for the nations when included. • Prayer First: Kneeling together highlights that spiritual power precedes practical aid (Ephesians 6:18-20). • Generous Farewells and Welcomes: Moments of transition—sending out or coming home—are opportunities for tangible encouragement (3 John 5-8). • Ongoing Connection: Though the Tyrian believers “returned home,” their relationship with Paul did not end; gospel partnership extends beyond geography (Romans 15:24). Practical Ways to Live These Principles Today • Attend Send-Offs and Debriefings – Drive missionaries to the airport or bus station. – Host a welcome-back meal when they return. • Pray Publicly and Privately – Include missionaries by name in corporate prayers. – Adopt a missionary family for regular mealtime or bedtime prayers with your children. • Engage the Whole Church – Invite missionaries to children’s classes and youth groups. – Create missions projects where kids write letters or draw pictures. • Supply Practical Needs – Offer housing, vehicles, or gift cards during furloughs (Philippians 4:16-17). – Provide technology, books, or ministry tools before departure. • Maintain Ongoing Communication – Schedule video calls during small-group meetings. – Send birthday or anniversary notes to remind them they are remembered. • Give Regular Financial Support – Set up monthly commitments (2 Corinthians 8:3-4). – Encourage creative giving opportunities like garage sales or matching gifts. Scriptural Reinforcement • Romans 10:15—“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” • 1 Samuel 30:24—The share of those who stay with the supplies equals the share of those who go to battle. • Luke 8:3—Believers “were helping to support [Jesus and the Twelve] out of their own means.” • Philippians 4:10—Paul rejoiced greatly when the church “revived” their concern for him. Encouragement to Action Acts 21:6 pictures an entire congregation walking missionaries to the edge of town, praying on their knees, and sending them off with affection and support. Let that snapshot move us to stand with modern missionaries—body, heart, and wallet—so the gospel can sail farther than any one of us could travel alone. |
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