MISSION IN THE BOOK OF ACTS: MISSION OF THE CHURCH

  • Christoph Stenschke Forum Wiedenest, Bergneustadt, Germany New Testament University of South Africa
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7833/103-0-589
Keywords: The Book of Acts, Mission in the New Testament, Mission of the Church, Early Christianity, Paul, the Apostle, Paul's Portrait in Acts

Abstract

This paper examines how the early Christian mission is portrayed in the Book of Acts. While leading figures such as Peter and Paul and their ministries dominate the narrative, there is a substantial amount of evidence that many more people than the apostles were involved in spreading the Gospel under different, at times adverse, circumstances. Even the mission activities of prominent figures are deeply embedded in the mission of various churches, above all the church in Jerusalem. This inspiring portrait challenges some contemporary notions of mission and evangelism. While mission is primarily the mission of God (missio Dei), it is also the mission of the church (missio ecclesiae) – not only of its ordained ministry or particular societies devoted to mission, but the mission of all Christians so that many more Africans may go on their way rejoicing (Acts 8:39).
Published
2013-06-12
Issue
Vol. 103 (2010)
Section
Conference on 'Missionary Church in Acts' (Stellenbosch, May 2009)

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