God calls each of us to share His love and message with the world. The Bible is filled with verses that inspire and guide us in our mission work.
From Jesus’ Great Commission to the examples of the apostles, scripture provides a roadmap for spreading the Gospel.
These verses remind us of our purpose and the importance of reaching out to others with the good news of Christ.
As we explore these powerful scriptures, may we be encouraged and equipped to fulfill our mission, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Witnessing
Top Bible Verses About Missions
Matthew 28:19-20
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
In this Great Commission, Jesus instructs His followers to spread His teachings to all nations. This command underscores the global nature of Christian mission work, emphasizing the importance of baptizing and teaching others to obey God’s commands.
Mark 16:15
“And then he told them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.'”
Jesus commands His disciples to preach the Gospel to everyone, highlighting the universal scope of the Christian mission. This verse serves as a reminder that the message of salvation is meant for all people, regardless of their background or location.
Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
This verse highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to be witnesses for Christ. The geographical progression from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth illustrates the expansive reach of the Christian mission.
Romans 10:13-14
“For ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?”
Paul emphasizes the necessity of preaching the Gospel so that people can believe and be saved. This passage underscores the importance of mission work in making the message of salvation known to those who have not heard it.
Isaiah 6:8
“Then I heard the Lord asking, ‘Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?’ I said, ‘Here I am. Send me.'”
Isaiah’s response to God’s call reflects the willingness and readiness that should characterize those who are called to missions. This verse highlights the personal commitment and readiness to serve that is essential for effective mission work.
Psalm 96:3
“Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.”
The Psalmist calls for the proclamation of God’s deeds among all nations. This verse encourages believers to share the wonders and works of God with the world, emphasizing the importance of spreading the knowledge of God’s glory.
Matthew 24:14
“And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.”
Jesus foretells the global proclamation of the Gospel as a precursor to the end times. This verse underscores the eschatological significance of missions, indicating that the spread of the Gospel is integral to God’s plan for the world.
John 20:21
“Again he said, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.'”
Jesus commissions His disciples by paralleling their mission with His own. Just as Jesus was sent by the Father, He sends His followers to continue His work. This verse highlights the continuity and divine mandate of the Christian mission.
Luke 24:47
“It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.'”
Jesus outlines the core message of the Gospel—repentance and forgiveness of sins—and commands that it be preached to all nations. This verse emphasizes the foundational message of missions and its intended universal reach.
1 Chronicles 16:24
“Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.”
This verse echoes the call to declare God’s works to all nations. It reinforces the theme of making God’s glory known universally, which is central to the mission of spreading the Gospel.
Romans 15:20
“My ambition has always been to preach the Good News where the name of Christ has never been heard, rather than where a church has already been started by someone else.”
Paul expresses his desire to pioneer new mission fields, focusing on areas where Christ is unknown. This verse highlights the importance of reaching unreached peoples and the apostolic drive to expand the Gospel’s reach.
Colossians 4:3
“Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains.”
Paul requests prayer for opportunities to share the Gospel, even while imprisoned. This verse underscores the importance of prayer in mission work and the perseverance needed to proclaim the Gospel despite obstacles.
2 Corinthians 5:20
“So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, ‘Come back to God!'”
Believers are described as ambassadors for Christ, tasked with representing Him and calling people to reconciliation with God. This verse highlights the responsibility and privilege of believers to act as God’s representatives in the world.
Acts 13:47
“For the Lord gave us this command when he said, ‘I have made you a light to the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth.'”
This verse emphasizes the mission to the Gentiles, extending the reach of salvation beyond the Jewish community. It underscores the inclusivity of the Gospel and the call to bring light to all people.
Matthew 9:37-38
“He said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.'”
Jesus highlights the abundant need for mission workers and encourages prayer for more laborers. This verse underscores the urgency and vast scope of the mission field, as well as the need for divine intervention to raise up more missionaries.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Putting Others First
Romans 1:16
“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.”
Paul boldly declares the power of the Gospel to save all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike. This verse underscores the universal efficacy of the Gospel and the importance of proclaiming it without shame.
1 Peter 3:15
“Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.”
Believers are encouraged to be prepared to explain their faith and hope in Christ. This verse highlights the importance of readiness in mission work, emphasizing the need to share the reason for our hope with others.
Psalm 67:2
“May your ways be known throughout the earth, your saving power among people everywhere.”
This prayer asks for God’s ways and saving power to be known universally. It emphasizes the desire for all people to experience God’s salvation, aligning with the mission to spread the Gospel globally.
1 Corinthians 9:22
“When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.”
Paul describes his adaptive approach to evangelism, finding common ground to connect with others. This verse highlights the flexibility and empathy required in mission work to effectively share the Gospel.
Acts 20:24
“But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.”
Paul expresses the paramount importance of his mission to share the Gospel, valuing it above his own life. This verse underscores the dedication and sacrifice inherent in mission work, driven by the goal of spreading God’s grace.
John 4:35
“You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest.”
Jesus calls His followers to recognize the immediate readiness of the mission field. This verse emphasizes the urgency and readiness of people to receive the Gospel, urging believers to act without delay.
2 Timothy 4:2
“Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.”
Paul instructs Timothy to preach the Word consistently and persistently, regardless of circumstances. This verse underscores the need for steadfastness and patience in mission work, ensuring the message is conveyed faithfully and effectively.
Acts 4:12
“There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”
This verse proclaims the exclusivity of salvation through Jesus Christ. It underscores the necessity of missions to make known the only way to salvation, affirming the urgency of spreading this critical message.
Matthew 5:14
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.”
Jesus describes His followers as the light of the world, meant to be visible and illuminating. This verse highlights the role of believers in showcasing God’s truth and love, emphasizing the impact of their witness in the world.
1 Thessalonians 1:8
“And now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere, even beyond Macedonia and Achaia, for wherever we go we find people telling us about your faith in God. We don’t need to tell them about it.”
Paul commends the Thessalonians for their exemplary faith, which has spread far and wide. This verse highlights the powerful testimony of a faithful community and its influence in advancing the mission.
Titus 2:11
“For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.”
This verse emphasizes the universality of God’s grace and its revelation to all people. It underscores the inclusivity of the Gospel message and the mission to make this grace known to everyone.
2 Corinthians 4:5
“You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake.”
Paul clarifies that the focus of his preaching is Christ, not himself. This verse underscores the humility and servant-hearted nature of mission work, emphasizing that the message of Jesus is paramount.
Matthew 10:7
“Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”
Jesus instructs His disciples to proclaim the nearness of God’s Kingdom. This verse emphasizes the urgency and priority of sharing the message of the Kingdom, central to the mission of the disciples.
John 17:18
“Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.”
Jesus prays for His disciples, paralleling their mission with His own. This verse highlights the continuation of Jesus’ mission through His followers, emphasizing their divine sending and purpose in the world.
Acts 17:30
“God overlooked people’s ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him.”
Paul declares the universal call to repentance, highlighting the changed stance of God towards humanity. This verse emphasizes the need for mission work to convey this command for repentance and turning to God.
1 John 4:14
“Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.”
John affirms the testimony of Jesus as the Savior of the world. This verse underscores the foundational truth of the Gospel and the mission to share this testimony with the world.
Psalm 96:2
“Sing to the Lord; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.”
The Psalmist calls for daily proclamation of God’s salvation. This verse highlights the continuous and joyous nature of sharing the Gospel, emphasizing the importance of persistent witness.
Hebrews 12:1
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”
This verse encourages believers to persevere in their faith journey, inspired by the example of others. It underscores the communal and enduring nature of the Christian mission, calling for commitment and perseverance.
Philippians 2:15
“So that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.”
Paul urges believers to live blameless lives, shining as lights in a dark world. This verse highlights the role of personal conduct in mission work, emphasizing the impact of a godly example on the world around us.
James 1:27
“Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.”
James defines true religion as caring for those in need and maintaining purity. This verse emphasizes the practical aspect of mission work, highlighting the importance of compassionate action and personal integrity.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Encouraging Others
What Does the Bible Say About Missions
The Bible provides a clear and compelling mandate for missions, emphasizing the importance of spreading the message of God’s love and salvation to all corners of the world. This mission is rooted in the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19-20). This directive is not just a suggestion but a call to action for every believer to participate in God’s redemptive work.
The Old Testament lays the foundation for missions, revealing God’s heart for all nations. In Genesis 12:1-3, God promises Abraham that through his descendants, “all peoples on earth will be blessed.” This covenant shows that God’s plan of salvation is universal, extending beyond Israel to every nation. The prophets, too, echo this theme. Isaiah 49:6 proclaims, “I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”
In the New Testament, the life and teachings of Jesus further underscore the importance of missions. Jesus’ ministry was inclusive, reaching out to Samaritans, Gentiles, and other marginalized groups. His interactions with the Samaritan woman (John 4) and the healing of the Roman centurion’s servant (Matthew 8:5-13) demonstrate His mission to break cultural and ethnic barriers.
The early church embraced this missionary mandate with zeal. The book of Acts documents the apostles’ efforts to spread the gospel beyond Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria, fulfilling Jesus’ command in Acts 1:8. Paul, in particular, exemplifies the missionary spirit, traveling extensively to preach and establish churches throughout the Roman Empire.
Missions are not merely about geographical expansion but about transforming lives through the power of the gospel. Romans 10:14-15 emphasizes the necessity of preaching: “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?”
In summary, the Bible presents missions as an essential aspect of the Christian faith. It calls believers to share the good news of Jesus Christ, transcending cultural, ethnic, and geographical boundaries, and to participate in God’s global plan of redemption.