The call for Christians to live as missionaries is deeply rooted in the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His followers to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). This mandate is not limited to a select few but extends to all believers, urging them to embody the message of the Gospel in every aspect of their lives. The life of a missionary is often marked by sacrifice, dedication, and, at times, persecution.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament provides numerous examples of early Christians who embraced their missionary calling despite facing severe persecution. The Apostle Paul, a quintessential missionary, endured countless hardships for the sake of the Gospel. In 2 Corinthians 11:24-27 , Paul recounts his sufferings: "Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea; in my frequent journeys, I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles, in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea, and in danger from false brothers."

The early church, as depicted in the Book of Acts, also faced persecution. Acts 8:1 notes, "On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria." This scattering, however, did not hinder the spread of the Gospel; rather, it facilitated the fulfillment of the Great Commission as believers carried the message of Christ wherever they went.

Theological Implications

The call to be missionaries, even in the face of persecution, is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel. Jesus Himself warned His followers of the trials they would face, stating, "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first" (John 15:18). This identification with Christ in suffering is seen as a privilege and a means of spiritual growth. In Philippians 1:29 , Paul writes, "For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him."

Persecution serves to refine and strengthen the faith of believers, drawing them closer to God and to one another. It is through these trials that Christians are reminded of their dependence on God and the eternal hope they possess in Christ. Romans 5:3-5 articulates this process: "Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us."

Historical Context

Throughout history, the church has witnessed periods of intense persecution, from the Roman Empire's attempts to eradicate Christianity to modern-day hostilities in various parts of the world. Despite these challenges, the church has continued to grow and thrive, often experiencing its most significant expansion during times of persecution. The blood of the martyrs, as Tertullian famously stated, has been the seed of the church.

Practical Application

For contemporary Christians, the call to live as missionaries involves a willingness to stand firm in their faith, even when faced with opposition. This may manifest in various forms, from social ostracism to physical harm. Believers are encouraged to pray for the persecuted church, support missionary efforts, and engage in evangelism within their own communities.

In 1 Peter 3:15 , Christians are exhorted to "sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you, but respond with gentleness and respect." This readiness to share the Gospel, coupled with a Christ-like demeanor, is the essence of living as a missionary in a world that often stands in opposition to the message of Christ.Acts 8:4
Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 11:19,20
Now they which were scattered abroad on the persecution that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but to the Jews only.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The First Epistle to the Thessalonians
... but certain that its members were mostly Christians of the ... to establish them in faith,
which was all the more ... However it should not be dated at the beginning ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the first epistle to the 2.htm

Sundry Exhortations.
... He was worthy that Stephen and James should die for ... His martyr Stephen, that He is
to all that follow ... between the world, which the Hebrew Christians loved too ...
/.../chapter xvi sundry exhortations.htm

On the Church
... from all this: (1) How very respectful we should be in the Church, which is holy
for all the reasons ... least danger to our lives; while the Christians of the ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 11 on the church.htm

Christian Sympathy
... You street-preachers, City missionaries, Bible women, and ... such; living to God, we
should devote ourselves ... in a kindly association with all Christians: we shall ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/christian sympathy.htm

Antecedents of Permanent Christian Colonization --The ...
... represented in the parties existing among English Christians at the ... at that time
variegated, to which should be added ... was soon to become obvious to all that no ...
/.../a history of american christianity/chapter iv antecedents of permanent.htm

The Gospel in Samaria
... All over the world men and women are looking wistfully to heaven. ... The unselfish labor
of Christians in the past should be to us an object lesson and an ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 11 the gospel in.htm

John 7:37-38. "Let any Man Come. "
... which they that believe on Him should receive." Figurative ... are many quiet, gentle,
consistent Christians, who make ... a deep influence for good on all around them. ...
/.../chapter vii john 7 37-38 let.htm

Christian Cemeteries.
... In the same way we should regard the images ... than probable, because it implies that
Christians, Eusebius included ... At all events, the belief that the group of ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter vii christian cemeteries.htm

The Gospel Message in Antioch
... Well might the heathen call them Christians, since they preached ... is this grace given,
that I should preach among the ... been hid in God, who created all things by ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 16 the gospel message.htm

Reconstruction.
... in the promotion of religious liberty should be forward ... far the most numerous
denominations of Christians in the ... its becoming a rallying-point for all sorts of ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter xiii reconstruction.htm

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