First Missionaries 

Acts chapter 13 

     Beyond Israel for the first time, Paul speaks in Antioch:

     "Brothers, children of Abraham and God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent. The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning him they fulfilled the words of the prophets. Though they found no proper ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed. 

     "When they carried out all that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead, and for many days he was seen by those who had traveled with him. They are his witnesses. 

     "We tell you the good news. What God promised our fathers, he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written: 'You are my Son; today I have become your Father.' 

     "Therefore my brothers, through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses." 

(C)  1. Witnessing is the obligation of all believers.

2. Missionaries go to all nations, with God's salvation, to the ends of the earth.

3. Witnesses speak primarily about the meaning of Christ's life, death, resurrection, saving power and the Holy Spirit.

4. Witnesses bring conviction concerning sin, righteousness and judgment.

5. Witnesses will at times suffer. The word "martyr" is derived from the Greek word for witness.

6. Witnessing includes separation from the world and utter reliance on the Holy Spirit. 

7. Witnessing is prophetic, empowered and inspired by the Spirit.