Finding our Place in Missions

Paul

Paul was a missionary church planter.

Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.Acts 13:1-4

Paul strategically selected areas where the Gospel was not being preached and established local churches.

Priscilla & Aquila

Priscilla & Aquila were a married couple who loved the Gospel.

Priscilla & Aquila served alongside a missionary church planter and went wherever they could be useful to the spread of the Gospel.

Met Paul in Corinth and served there for 18 months planting the church at Corinth.

And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.Acts 18:2-3

They traveled to Ephesus with Paul and stayed after he left and hosted the church in their home.

The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.1 Corinthians 16:19

They were part of the church at Rome. Paul said they risked their own lives for him.

Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.Romans 16:3-4

Silas

Silas was willing to go wherever the Gospel was needed with whomever would go with him.

Silas was a leader in the local church and was chosen to travel with Paul and was imprisoned with Paul in Philippi.

Silas started the church in Berea with Timothy while Paul traveled on to Athens.

Timothy

Timothy was a solid Christian leader in the church at Lystra. He put himself under Paul’s leadership to be mentored.

Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.1 Timothy 1:2

Timothy started the church in Berea with Silas while Paul traveled on to Athens.

Silas and Timothy met up with Paul in Corinth and encouraged him and gave him boldness in the ministry.

And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.Acts 18:5

Justus

Justus was a believer who lived next door to the synagogue. When Paul was rejected by the Jews, he went to Justus’ house.

Some believe Justus’ house became the base of operations for the early Corinthian church.

Justus offered what he had to be used for the sake of the Gospel.

What is your place in missions?

Everyone should pray.

Everyone should give.

Some should go and get it done.

Some should stay and get it done.

Everyone must be fully engaged.