35 Bible Verses about Missions
Transport yourself back to the ancient world, where the story of St. Patrick's mission to Ireland unfolds as a testament to unwavering faith and unyielding determination. Born in Britain in the late 4th century, Patrick was captured as a teenager and taken as a slave to Ireland, a land steeped in pagan traditions and idolatry.
During his six years of captivity, a transformation took place within Patrick. He turned to God, seeking solace and strength in prayer. In a remarkable turn of events, he managed to escape and return to his homeland. But his heart remained burdened for the people of Ireland, whom he believed were in dire need of the Gospel's light.
Compelled by a divine calling, Patrick willingly returned to the land of his captivity, this time as a missionary. Armed with a fervent faith and a heart filled with compassion, he fearlessly preached the Gospel, defying opposition and facing countless challenges.
Within the following collection of Bible verses, you will uncover the divine mandate to go and make disciples of all nations, the call to share the Gospel's transformative message, and the commission to be ambassadors of Christ's love. As you explore these verses, may you be inspired by the passion and dedication exemplified by St. Patrick, and may it fuel your own desire to fulfill the mission God has entrusted to every believer.
The Great Commission
Matthew 24:14
"And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."
Matthew 28:19
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
Matthew 28:19-20
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Mark 13:10
"And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations."
Mark 16:15
"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'"
Luke 24:47
"And that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem."
Acts 1:8
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Revelation 14:6
"Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people."
The Call to Missions
Genesis 12:1-3
"Now the Lord said to Abram, 'Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.'"
1 Chronicles 16:23
"Sing to the Lord, all the earth! Tell of his salvation from day to day."
Psalm 67:1-2
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations.
Isaiah 6:8
"And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, 'Here I am! Send me.'"
Acts 13:2-3
"While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off."
Acts 22:15
"For you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard."
Acts 26:14-18
"And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'"
Romans 1:16
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek."
Romans 10:14
"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?"
2 Corinthians 5:20
"We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God."
Ephesians 4:1
"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received."
2 Timothy 4:2
"Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction."
Declare God’s Glory Among the Nations
1 Chronicles 16:24
"Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!"
Psalm 46:10
"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
Psalm 86:9
"All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name."
Psalm 96:3
"Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!"
Isaiah 66:19
"And I will set a sign among them. And from them I will send survivors to the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, who draw the bow, to Tubal and Javan, to the coastlands far away, that have not heard my fame or seen my glory. And they shall declare my glory among the nations."
Malachi 1:11
"For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the LORD of hosts."
Challenges and Promises in Missions
Isaiah 52:7
"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, 'Your God reigns.'"
Matthew 9:35-36
"And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."
Luke 10:2-3
And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.
John 20:21
"Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.'"
Romans 10:13-15
"For 'everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'"
1 Corinthians 16:9
"For a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries."
2 Peter 3:9
"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."
Mission Completed
Revelation 5:9
"And they sang a new song, saying: 'You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.'"
Revelation 7:9
"After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands."
Conclusion
In conclusion, the exploration of Bible verses about missions has illuminated the divine mandate and timeless truths regarding our role as ambassadors of Christ in the world. Through these verses, we have been reminded of the call to go and make disciples, to share the Good News, and to be active participants in God's redemptive plan for humanity.
As we reflect on the richness of these scriptures, let them ignite a fervent passion within us to embrace a deeper commitment to God's mission. May we step out in faith, leaving behind comfort and cultural norms, and courageously engage in radical obedience to Christ's teachings.
With the transformative power of the Gospel as our guide, let us carry its message of hope, love, and salvation to every corner of the earth. Together, as we embody the mission set before us, we can make a lasting impact for God's kingdom and bring glory to His name.
A Prayer for the Nations
Heavenly Father,
We humbly come before Your throne, lifting our voices in prayer for the nations of the world. We acknowledge that You are the Creator of all, and Your desire is for every nation to glorify Your name. We earnestly pray for the Church to wholeheartedly embrace the Great Commission.
Grant us, Lord, a renewed sense of urgency and passion to fulfill Your mandate to go and make disciples of all nations. Ignite within us a burning desire to share the life-transforming message of Your Son, Jesus Christ, with those who have yet to hear His name. Empower us with boldness and wisdom, that we may overcome barriers, both physical and spiritual, that hinder the spread of the Gospel.
We pray for the Church to rise up in faith, demonstrating Your love and grace to a world in desperate need of it. Strengthen Your servants with unwavering faith and unwavering commitment to Your mission. Fill us with compassion, empathy, and a heart for the lost, that we may embody Your love in tangible ways.
Father, we intercede for the nations, that their hearts may be opened to receive Your truth. Break down the strongholds of darkness and idolatry that hinder the progress of Your Kingdom. Pour out Your Holy Spirit upon all peoples, that they may encounter Your presence and experience the transformative power of Your salvation.
May the name of Jesus be exalted in every corner of the earth. May the nations unite in worship, giving You the glory that is rightfully Yours. Let Your Kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
In the name of Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer, we pray.
Amen.
