The New Testament doesn't have books explicitly *labeled* as "missionary books" in the way we might think of a textbook. However, the entire New Testament is deeply intertwined with the missionary activity of the early church. Here's how different books contribute to understanding the missionary enterprise:
* The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John):
* Foundation: They lay the groundwork by presenting the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This is the core message that missionaries proclaim.
* Commission: They include Jesus' instructions to his disciples to go out and make disciples of all nations (e.g., the Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20).
* Model: They show Jesus engaging with people from different backgrounds, demonstrating compassion, and inviting them to follow him.
* Acts of the Apostles:
* Primary Missionary Account: This is *the* book most people think of when considering missions in the New Testament. It directly chronicles the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to Judea and Samaria, and ultimately to the ends of the earth (Rome).
* Examples of Missionary Methods: It illustrates different strategies, including preaching, teaching, performing miracles, establishing churches, and dealing with opposition.
* Key Figures: It highlights the work of Peter, Paul, Barnabas, and other early church leaders as they establish churches and spread the Gospel.
* The Epistles (Letters):
* Pauline Epistles (Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon): These letters, written by Paul, provide insight into his missionary journeys, the challenges he faced, and his theological understanding of the gospel. They offer guidance for the churches he established and address specific issues related to faith and practice in diverse cultural contexts.
* General Epistles (Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude): These letters, written by other apostles and church leaders, also address the needs of early Christian communities and offer instruction on living out the Christian faith in a world that was often hostile to the gospel. They provide practical advice on how to live as followers of Christ and witness to the truth of the gospel.
* Revelation:
* Ultimate Triumph: While not directly about missionary activity in the same way as Acts or Paul's letters, Revelation offers a vision of the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom and the gathering of people from every nation, tribe, people, and language before the throne (Revelation 7:9). It provides hope and encouragement to believers who are facing persecution and challenges as they share the gospel.
In summary, while Acts provides the most direct narrative of early missionary activity, all of the New Testament contributes to our understanding of the mission of the church by providing the theological foundation, practical examples, and ultimate hope that inspires and guides missionary endeavors.