The church not only gathers, but also sends.
We’re still on a journey of going through the Book of Acts, one chapter a day, which brings us today to Acts chapter 13, where we read about the flourishing congregation that has arisen in Antioch.
Prophets and teachers serve together. While they fast and worship the Lord, the Holy Spirit speaks: “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” (Acts 13:2) Mission begins here, not with strategy, but with worship.
The church lays its hands on Barnabas and Saul and lets them go. With this, the first missionary journey in history begins. In Cyprus and later in Pisidia, they proclaim Jesus as the fulfilment of God's promises to Israel. Some listen with joy, others react with jealousy and resistance.
Paul speaks a decisive sentence: “We now turn to the Gentiles.” (Acts 13:46). The gospel is not limited to one people, and what was once promised to Abraham—blessing for all nations—starts to take visible form.
Acts 13 shows that the church not only gathers, but also sends. The Spirit calls, the congregation confirms, and people obey. Perhaps you think of distant lands when you hear the word “mission” or “missionary.” But at its core, it is about being available for God’s commission, wherever He places you.
We don’t all have to travel to foreign lands to do the mission Jesus gave us to preach, teach, baptise, make disciples, pray for the sick, feed the hungry, care for the poor and welcome the stranger (Matthew 28:19-20 and Matthew 25:35-40).
You can start today, wherever you are. The question is: are you willing?
