Topical Encyclopedia The concept of missionary work by ministers is deeply rooted in the New Testament, particularly exemplified by the mission of the Seventy, as recorded in the Gospel of Luke. This event is a significant demonstration of the early church's commitment to spreading the message of Jesus Christ and serves as a model for Christian evangelism and ministry.Biblical Account The account of the Seventy is found in Luke 10:1-24. In this passage, Jesus appoints seventy (or seventy-two, depending on manuscript variations) disciples and sends them out in pairs to every town and place He was about to visit. This mission is distinct from the earlier sending of the Twelve Apostles and highlights the broader scope of Jesus' ministry beyond the immediate circle of the Twelve. The Berean Standard Bible records Jesus' instructions to the Seventy: "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest" (Luke 10:2). This statement underscores the urgency and vastness of the mission field, a theme that resonates throughout Christian history. Instructions and Mission Jesus provides specific instructions to the Seventy, emphasizing reliance on God's provision and the importance of their message. They are to travel light, carrying no purse, bag, or sandals, and to greet no one on the road (Luke 10:4). This directive highlights the urgency and focus required for their mission, as well as a dependence on divine provision and hospitality. Upon entering a house, they are to offer peace, and if a person of peace is present, their peace will rest on that house (Luke 10:5-6). This instruction reflects the importance of finding receptive hearts and establishing a base for ministry in each community. The Seventy are also tasked with healing the sick and proclaiming, "The kingdom of God has come near to you" (Luke 10:9). This dual focus on physical healing and spiritual proclamation mirrors the holistic nature of Jesus' own ministry and sets a precedent for future missionary endeavors. Reception and Results The mission of the Seventy is met with success, as they return with joy, reporting, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in Your name" (Luke 10:17). Jesus responds by affirming their authority over spiritual forces and encouraging them to rejoice not in their power, but in their salvation: "Rejoice that your names are written in heaven" (Luke 10:20). This response from Jesus highlights the ultimate goal of missionary work: the salvation of souls and the expansion of God's kingdom. The joy of the Seventy reflects the fulfillment and purpose found in serving Christ and participating in His redemptive mission. Theological Implications The sending of the Seventy illustrates several key theological principles relevant to missionary work. First, it demonstrates the inclusivity of Jesus' mission, extending beyond the Twelve Apostles to a larger group of disciples. This inclusivity suggests that all believers are called to participate in the Great Commission, not just a select few. Second, the mission underscores the importance of divine empowerment and authority in ministry. The Seventy's success is attributed to the power of Jesus' name, emphasizing that effective ministry relies on God's strength rather than human ability. Finally, the mission of the Seventy serves as a prototype for the church's ongoing evangelistic efforts. It provides a framework for understanding the role of ministers as ambassadors of Christ, tasked with proclaiming the gospel, healing the broken, and advancing the kingdom of God. Historical and Contemporary Application Throughout church history, the example of the Seventy has inspired countless missionary endeavors. From the early church fathers to modern-day missionaries, the principles of reliance on God, proclamation of the gospel, and engagement with receptive communities have remained central to Christian mission. In contemporary contexts, the mission of the Seventy continues to inform and challenge the church's approach to evangelism. It calls believers to recognize the vastness of the harvest field, to pray for more workers, and to engage in mission with urgency and faithfulness. The example of the Seventy reminds the church of its ongoing mandate to bring the message of Christ to all nations, trusting in the power and provision of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 10:1,17After these things the LORD appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, where he himself would come. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library St. Boniface (Ad 680-755) Church Union. Caring for My Aged Mother Certificate Laws and Western Land Bills The General Conference of 1836 The Gospel According to St. Luke From the Close of the General Conference of 1836 to the ... The Last Two Decades. Answers to Prayer Yorkshire and the Settlement System. Resources What is the Good News Mission, and what do they believe? | GotQuestions.orgWhat should be the mission of the church? | GotQuestions.org Are mission boards biblical? | GotQuestions.org Mission: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics All Christians should be As Missionaries in a Holy Example All Christians should be As Missionaries in Admonishing Others All Christians should be As Missionaries in Aiding Ministers in Their Labours All Christians should be As Missionaries in Declaring What God Has Done for Them All Christians should be As Missionaries in Dedicating Themselves to the Service of God All Christians should be As Missionaries in Devoting all Property to God All Christians should be As Missionaries in Encouraging the Weak All Christians should be As Missionaries in First Giving Their own Selves to the Lord All Christians should be As Missionaries in Following Christ All Christians should be As Missionaries in Forsaking all for Christ All Christians should be As Missionaries in Giving a Reason for Their Faith All Christians should be As Missionaries in Hating Life for Christ All Christians should be As Missionaries in Holy Boldness All Christians should be As Missionaries in Holy Conduct All Christians should be As Missionaries in Holy Conservation All Christians should be As Missionaries in Interceding for Others All Christians should be As Missionaries in Inviting Forth God's Praises All Christians should be As Missionaries in Inviting Others to Embrace the Gospel All Christians should be As Missionaries in Joyfully Suffering for Christ All Christians should be As Missionaries in Old Age All Christians should be As Missionaries in Openly Confessing Christ All Christians should be As Missionaries in Preferring Christ Above all Relations All Christians should be As Missionaries in Reproving Others All Christians should be As Missionaries in Seeking the Edification of Others All Christians should be As Missionaries in Showing Forth God's Praises All Christians should be As Missionaries in Talking of God and his Works All Christians should be As Missionaries in Teaching and Exhorting All Christians should be As Missionaries in the Family All Christians should be As Missionaries in Their Intercourse With the World All Christians should be As Missionaries in Visiting and Relieving the Poor, the Sick All Christians should be As Missionaries in Youth All Christians should be As Missionaries with a Superabundant Liberality All Christians should be As Missionaries with a Willing Heart All Christians should be As Missionaries: After the Example of Christ All Christians should be As Missionaries: An Imperative Duty All Christians should be As Missionaries: Andrew All Christians should be As Missionaries: Anna All Christians should be As Missionaries: Apollos All Christians should be As Missionaries: Aquila All Christians should be As Missionaries: As Faithful Stewards All Christians should be As Missionaries: Barnabas All Christians should be As Missionaries: Blessedness of All Christians should be As Missionaries: Captive Maid All Christians should be As Missionaries: Centurion All Christians should be As Missionaries: Chief of the Fathers All Christians should be As Missionaries: Disciples All Christians should be As Missionaries: Encouragement To All Christians should be As Missionaries: from Their Calling As Saints All Christians should be As Missionaries: Hannah All Christians should be As Missionaries: However Weak They May Be All Christians should be As Missionaries: Illustrated All Christians should be As Missionaries: Joanna All Christians should be As Missionaries: Leper All Christians should be As Missionaries: Onesiphorus All Christians should be As Missionaries: Persecuted Saints All Christians should be As Missionaries: Philemon All Christians should be As Missionaries: Philip All Christians should be As Missionaries: Restored Demoniac All Christians should be As Missionaries: Shadrach All Christians should be As Missionaries: Shepherds All Christians should be As Missionaries: The Principle on Which All Christians should be As Missionaries: The Zeal of Hypocrites should Provoke To All Christians should be As Missionaries: The Zeal of Idolaters should Provoke To All Christians should be As Missionaries: Various Individuals All Christians should be As Missionaries: Woman of Samaria All Christians should be As Missionaries: Women and Children As Well As Men Missionary Work by Ministers is According to the Purpose of God Missionary Work by Ministers: Aid Those Engaged In Missionary Work by Ministers: Apostles Missionary Work by Ministers: Be Ready to Engage In Missionary Work by Ministers: Christ Engaged In Missionary Work by Ministers: Christ Sent his Disciples to Labour In Missionary Work by Ministers: Commanded Missionary Work by Ministers: Directed by the Holy Spirit Missionary Work by Ministers: Excellency of Missionary Work by Ministers: God Qualifies For Missionary Work by Ministers: God Strengthens For Missionary Work by Ministers: Guilt and Danger of Shrinking From Missionary Work by Ministers: Harmony should Subsist Amongst Those Engaged In Missionary Work by Ministers: Jonah Missionary Work by Ministers: Levites Missionary Work by Ministers: No Limits to the Sphere of Missionary Work by Ministers: Noah Missionary Work by Ministers: Obligations to Engage In Missionary Work by Ministers: Opportunities For, not to be Neglected Missionary Work by Ministers: Paul Missionary Work by Ministers: Philip Missionary Work by Ministers: Required Missionary Work by Ministers: Requires Wisdom and Meekness Missionary Work by Ministers: Silas Missionary Work by Ministers: Success of a Cause of Joy Missionary Work by Ministers: Success of a Cause of Praise Missionary Work by Ministers: Success of To be Prayed For Missionary Work by Ministers: The Holy Spirit Calls To Missionary Work by Ministers: The Seventy Missionary Work by Ministers: Timotheus Missionary Work by Ministers: Warranted by Predictions Concerning the Heathen Missionary Work by Ministers: Worldly Concerns should not Delay Related Terms |
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