Bible Verses About Missionary Work (With Commentary)

Missionary work is at the heart of the Great Commission, where Jesus calls believers to share the gospel and make disciples of all nations. The Bible provides both the mandate and the encouragement for those who engage in this vital task, emphasizing the importance of spreading God’s Word, serving others, and living out the gospel. These 30 Bible verses focus on the call to missionary work, offering guidance, inspiration, and reminders of God’s faithfulness as we participate in His mission.

1. Matthew 28:19-20

“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.”

This verse, known as the Great Commission, is Jesus’ clear command to all believers to spread the gospel globally. It teaches that missionary work is about making disciples, teaching them to follow Christ, and baptizing them. Jesus also assures His followers of His continual presence, reminding us that we are not alone in this task. This verse is foundational for all missionary efforts, emphasizing the global nature of the gospel.

2. Mark 16:15

“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'”

This verse is a direct call from Jesus to preach the gospel to every part of creation. It teaches that the message of salvation is for everyone, without exclusion. Missionary work involves proclaiming the good news of Christ’s death and resurrection to all people, no matter their background or location. This verse encourages believers to reach out beyond their comfort zones, taking the gospel to those who have not yet heard.

3. 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.”

This verse promises the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit for missionary work. It teaches that believers are to be witnesses for Christ, starting in their local communities and extending to the farthest parts of the world. The Holy Spirit equips and strengthens believers for the task of sharing the gospel, ensuring that we are not relying on our own power. This verse is a reminder that missionary work is Spirit-led and global in scope.

4. Romans 10:14-15

“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? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'”

This passage highlights the importance of preaching the gospel so that others can hear and believe. It teaches that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Missionary work is essential because it brings the message of salvation to those who have not yet heard. This verse emphasizes the responsibility of believers to go and share the good news, and it celebrates the beauty of those who carry the gospel to others.

5. Isaiah 6:8

“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!'”

This verse records the prophet Isaiah’s willing response to God’s call for someone to go and deliver His message. It teaches that missionary work begins with a willing heart, ready to be sent by God wherever He desires. Isaiah’s response is a model for all believers, showing the importance of availability and obedience in God’s mission. This verse encourages us to be ready to go wherever God calls, trusting in His guidance and provision.

6. 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.'”

This verse emphasizes the need for more workers in the mission field. It teaches that there are many people ready to receive the gospel, but few believers actively sharing it. Jesus instructs His disciples to pray for more workers, highlighting the importance of prayer in missionary work. This verse encourages believers to both pray for and participate in the harvest, recognizing that the time is ripe for sharing the gospel.

7. 1 Chronicles 16:24

“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”

This verse calls believers to proclaim God’s glory and mighty works to all nations. It teaches that missionary work is about making God known to all people, regardless of their location or culture. By sharing the good news of what God has done, we bring glory to His name. This verse encourages believers to spread the message of God’s greatness, ensuring that all nations hear of His salvation and goodness.

8. 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.'”

This verse echoes the message of Matthew 9:37-38, highlighting the abundance of the spiritual harvest and the need for more laborers. It teaches that there is a great opportunity for missionary work, but more people are needed to respond to the call. Jesus instructs His followers to pray for workers, reminding us that missionary work is both a practical and spiritual effort. This verse encourages us to seek God’s guidance and to be willing workers in His harvest field.

9. Psalm 96:3

“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”

This verse echoes the command to share the glory of God with all nations. It teaches that the entire world should know about God’s greatness and His marvelous works. Missionary work is about making God’s glory known beyond local communities, reaching every tribe, tongue, and nation. This verse encourages believers to be part of spreading the gospel globally, ensuring that God’s fame is known across the earth.

10. 2 Timothy 4:5

“But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.”

This verse encourages believers to remain steadfast in their work, even in difficult times. It teaches that evangelism is an essential part of every believer’s ministry, and that perseverance is required in the face of hardship. Missionary work is often challenging, but this verse calls believers to endure and faithfully fulfill their calling to share the gospel. It reminds us that God is with us, strengthening us to carry out the task He has given us.

11. John 20:21

“Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.'”

This verse shows that Jesus’ mission was given to His followers. It teaches that just as Jesus was sent by the Father to bring salvation, we are sent by Him to continue spreading the message of the gospel. Missionary work is a direct extension of Jesus’ own mission, making His saving work known to all people. This verse encourages believers to embrace their calling as sent ones, carrying the peace and message of Christ to the world.

12. Acts 13:47

“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.'”

This verse highlights the call to bring the message of salvation to the Gentiles and to the ends of the earth. It teaches that God’s salvation is for all people, not just one nation or group. Missionary work involves being a light to those who have not yet received the gospel. This verse encourages believers to take the gospel beyond familiar borders, reaching out to those who are spiritually distant.

13. Matthew 24:14

“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.”

This verse speaks of the global spread of the gospel as part of God’s plan. It teaches that the gospel will be preached to all nations before the end of time. Missionary work is essential in fulfilling this prophecy, ensuring that every people group hears the good news of the kingdom. This verse encourages believers to participate in God’s mission, knowing that their efforts are part of His divine plan for the world.

14. 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!'”

This verse celebrates the work of those who bring the message of salvation. It teaches that those who carry the gospel are honored and blessed for their work. Missionary work involves proclaiming peace, good news, and the reign of God. This verse encourages believers to see their role in sharing the gospel as a beautiful and necessary task, one that brings joy and hope to others.

15. 1 Corinthians 9:22-23

“To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.”

This verse reflects Paul’s dedication to sharing the gospel with all people. It teaches that missionary work often requires flexibility and adaptability in order to reach different groups. Paul’s willingness to meet people where they are shows that the gospel is for everyone, regardless of background or status.