The mission of sharing the gospel and spreading the love of Christ is a fundamental theme throughout the Bible. These scriptures guide and inspire believers to reach out, teach, and baptize nations, reflecting the Great Commission. They are reminders of the call for every
Christian to be a messenger of good news, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
This compilation of Bible verses highlights the importance, purpose, and promise of missions. Embark on a journey through these scriptures that illuminate the various aspects of missions
within the Christian faith.
Bible Verses about Missions
Matthew 28:19-20 – The Great Commission
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20
Cross-References
Mark 16:15 – “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'”
Acts 1:8 – “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Romans 10:14 – The Call to Preach
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” – Romans 10:14
Cross-References
1 Corinthians 9:16 – “For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!”
1 Timothy 1:11 – “That conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.”
Isaiah 6:8 – Here I Am, Send Me
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” – Isaiah 6:8
Cross-References
Jeremiah 1:7-8 – “But the Lord said to me, ‘Do not say, “I am too young.” You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.'”
Acts 13:2 – “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'”
Exodus 3:10 – “So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”
Acts 13:47 – A Light for the Gentiles
“For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” – Acts 13:47
Cross-References
Isaiah 49:6 – “He says: ‘It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.'”
Luke 2:32 – “A light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”
Matthew 4:16 – “The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
2 Corinthians 5:20 – Ambassadors for Christ
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” – 2 Corinthians 5:20
Cross-References
Ephesians 6:20 – “For which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.”
1 Thessalonians 2:4 – “On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.”
Colossians 1:23 – “If you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.”
John 4:35 – The Fields are Ripe for Harvest
“Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” – John 4:35
Cross-References
Matthew 9:37-38 – “Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'”
Luke 10:2 – “He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'”
Acts 18:10 – “For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.”
Psalm 96:3 – Declare His Glory Among the Nations
“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.” – Psalm 96:3
Cross-References
1 Chronicles 16:24 – “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”
Isaiah 12:4 – “In that day you will say: ‘Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.'”
Romans 15:9 – “And, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: ‘Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing the praises of your name.'”
Luke 10:1 – Sending Out the Seventy-Two
“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.” – Luke 10:1
Cross-References
Mark 6:7 – “Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits.”
Matthew 10:1 – “Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.”
Acts 8:4 – “Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.”
1 Corinthians 3:9 – Co-workers in God’s Service
“For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” – 1 Corinthians 3:9
Cross-References
2 Corinthians 6:1 – “As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.”
Philippians 2:13 – “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”
Ephesians 4:12 – “To equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
Matthew 5:14 – Light of the World
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” – Matthew 5:14
Cross-References
John 8:12 – “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'”
Philippians 2:15 – “So that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”
1 Peter 2:9 – “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Colossians 4:3 – An Open Door for the Word
“And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.” – Colossians 4:3
Cross-References
Ephesians 6:19 – “Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.”
2 Thessalonians 3:1 – “As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.”
Acts 14:27 – “On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.”
Mark 13:10 – Preaching to All Nations
“And the gospel must first be preached to all nations.” – Mark 13:10
Cross-References
Revelation 14:6 – “Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people.”
2 Timothy 4:17 – “But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.”
Philippians 1:18 – Rejoicing in the Preaching of Christ
“But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.” – Philippians 1:18
Cross-References
Romans 1:15 – “That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome.”
1 Corinthians 15:11 – “Whether, then, it is I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.”
Acts 5:42 – “Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.”
While you’re here, why not explore our latest article on: Bible verses about Seeking Truth
Romans 15:20 – Preaching Where Christ is Unknown
“It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.” – Romans 15:20
Cross-References
2 Corinthians 10:16 – “So that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast about work already done in someone else’s territory.”
Acts 16:10 – “After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.”
Psalm 96:2 – “Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.”
1 Peter 3:15 – Prepared to Give an Answer
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” – 1 Peter 3:15
Cross-References
Colossians 4:6 – “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
2 Timothy 2:25 – “Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.”
Jude 1:3 – “Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.”
Acts 4:20 – Unable to Keep Silent
“As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” – Acts 4:20
Cross-References
Jeremiah 20:9 – “But if I say, ‘I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,’ his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.”
Psalm 119:46 – “I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame.”
2 Timothy 4:2 – Preach the Word
“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” – 2 Timothy 4:2
Cross-References
Titus 2:15 – “These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:14 – “And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”
1 Timothy 4:13 – “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.”
Luke 19:10 – Seeking the Lost
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” – Luke 19:10
Cross-References
John 3:17 – “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
Matthew 18:11 – “For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.”
Ezekiel 34:16 – “I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice.”
Romans 1:16 – Not Ashamed of the Gospel
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” – Romans 1:16
Cross-References
2 Timothy 1:8 – “So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.”
Mark 8:38 – “If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
Philippians 1:20 – “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.”
Matthew 10:7 – The Kingdom of Heaven Has Come Near
“As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’” – Matthew 10:7
Cross-References
Luke 10:11 – “‘Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet as a warning to you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God has come near.'”
Mark 1:15 – “‘The time has come,’ he said. ‘The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!'”
Matthew 3:2 – “And saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.'”
1 John 4:9 – The Love of God Manifested
“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.” – 1 John 4:9
Cross-References
John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
John 10:10 – “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
Matthew 24:14 – Gospel Preached to the Whole World
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” – Matthew 24:14
Cross-References
Revelation 7:9 – “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.”
Luke 24:47 – “And repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”
John 20:21 – As the Father Has Sent Me
“Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’” – John 20:21
Cross-References
Luke 4:18 – “‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.'”
Galatians 2:8 – God’s Work in Peter and Paul
“For God, who was at work in Peter as an apostle to the circumcised, was also at work in me as an apostle to the Gentiles.” – Galatians 2:8
Cross-References
1 Corinthians 15:10 – “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.”
Acts 15:12 – “The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them.”
Romans 15:19 – “By the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.”
Jeremiah 1:7 – Go to Everyone I Send You
“But the Lord said to me, ‘Do not say, “I am too young.” You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.’” – Jeremiah 1:7
Cross-References
1 Samuel 3:10 – “The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.'”
Matthew 10:20 – “For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”
Acts 9:15 – A Chosen Instrument
“But the Lord said to Ananias, ‘Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.’” – Acts 9:15
Cross-References
Romans 1:5 – “Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake.”
1 Corinthians 1:1 – “Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes.”
Romans 10:15 – How Beautiful Are the Feet
“And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” – Romans 10:15
Cross-References
Isaiah 52:7 – “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!'”
Nahum 1:15 – “Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace! Celebrate your festivals, Judah, and fulfill your vows. No more will the wicked invade you; they will be completely destroyed.”
Ephesians 6:15 – “And with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”
John 15:16 – You Did Not Choose Me
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” – John 15:16
Cross-References
Colossians 1:6 – “That has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.”
Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Mark 8:34 – Take Up Your Cross
“Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’” – Mark 8:34
Cross-References
Luke 9:23 – “Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'”
Matthew 16:24 – “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'”
2 Timothy 2:12 – “If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us.”
Acts 26:17-18 – From Darkness to Light
“I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.” – Acts 26:17-18
Cross-References
Colossians 1:13 – “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.”
Ephesians 5:8 – “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.”
Proverbs 11:30 – Winning Souls
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives.” – Proverbs 11:30
Cross-References
Daniel 12:3 – “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.”
James 5:20 – “Remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”
2 Corinthians 5:18 – “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”
Titus 2:11 – Grace Brings Salvation
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.” – Titus 2:11
Cross-References
Romans 3:24 – “And all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
1 Timothy 2:4 – “Who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”
John 1:14 – “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
2 Corinthians 4:5 – Proclaiming Jesus as Lord
“For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.” – 2 Corinthians 4:5
Cross-References
1 Corinthians 1:23 – “But we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.”
Philippians 1:15 – “It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.”
Galatians 1:15-16 – Called by His Grace
“But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being.” – Galatians 1:15-16
Cross-References
Jeremiah 1:5 – “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
Isaiah 49:1 – “Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the Lord called me; from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name.”
Also check out this article on: Bible verses about Praying for Others
Final Thoughts
The vast array of scriptures on missions highlights the resounding call in the Bible for believers to participate actively in sharing the gospel. The mission is not merely a collective responsibility but a divinely ordained privilege to extend the message of hope,
redemption, and salvation offered through Jesus Christ. The emphasis on being “sent” underscores the dynamic nature of our faith—one that involves going forth, carrying the light of Christ to the darkest corners of the earth and to our immediate communities. These
scriptures encourage believers to be emboldened in their witness, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and motivated by the love that God has exemplified through Jesus. As we meditate on these verses, let us recommit to the mission, bearing fruit that will last, and by
doing so, bring glory to God’s name across all nations. The call to missions is a timeless invitation to partner with God in His redemptive work for all humanity.