Though facing hardships, missionaries receive strength from God to enable them to carry out their task. They are entitled, too, to receive support, encouragement and financial assistance from other believers.
Missionaries face hardships
Physical and emotional stress
Matthew 10:17–23 parallels Mark 13:11–13, Luke 21:12–192 Corinthians 7:5 See also Romans 8:35–36; 2 Corinthians 4:11–13, 2 Corinthians 6:3–5, 2 Corinthians 6:8–10, 2 Corinthians 11:23–29; Philippians 4:12
But beware of men, for they will hand you over to their councils and flog you in their synagogues. On My account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say. For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of My name, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next. Truly I tell you, you will not reach all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
For when we arrived in Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were pressed from every direction — conflicts on the outside, fears within.
Opposition to the message
1 Corinthians 16:9 See also Acts 4:17–18, Acts 6:9, Acts 13:6–8; 1 Thessalonians 2:2
because a great door for effective work has opened to me, even though many oppose me.
Missionaries strengthened by God
The Holy Spirit gives power to witness
John 20:21–22 See also Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8; Romans 15:18–19; 1 Corinthians 2:4–5
Again Jesus said to them, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you.” When He had said this, He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ promises his presence
Matthew 28:20 See also Mark 16:20; Acts 18:10
and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Missionaries supported by the church
Missionaries supported by the sending church
Acts 14:26 See also Acts 13:3, Acts 15:40
From Attalia they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work they had just completed.
Missionaries supported by believers
Acts 18:27 See also Romans 15:24; 2 Corinthians 8:23–24; Titus 3:13
When Apollos resolved to cross over to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On his arrival, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed.
Missionary work supported by church leaders
Acts 8:14 See also Acts 11:22–23, Acts 15:30–32; Galatians 2:7–9
When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them.
Missionaries given financial support
Philippians 4:14–18 See also Philippians 2:25; 1 Corinthians 9:11–14, 1 Corinthians 16:5–6; Galatians 6:6; 1 Thessalonians 2:6–8
Nevertheless, you have done well to share in my affliction. And as you Philippians know, in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church but you partnered with me in the matter of giving and receiving. For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs again and again. Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account. I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.
Missionaries supported in prayer
Colossians 4:3 See also Ephesians 6:19–20; Philippians 1:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:25; 2 Thessalonians 3:1
as you pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
Missionaries encouraged by visits and news
Acts 28:15 See also Philippians 2:19; 2 Timothy 4:9–11; Titus 3:12; Philemon 1:12–13
The brothers there had heard about us and traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. When Paul saw them, he was encouraged and gave thanks to God.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.