Topical Bible: Ministers: should Preach: Everywhere

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The role of ministers in the Christian faith is fundamentally tied to the proclamation of the Gospel. The New Testament provides a clear mandate for ministers to preach the Word of God universally, transcending geographical, cultural, and social boundaries. This entry explores the biblical basis for the call to preach everywhere, drawing from scriptural references and theological insights.

Biblical Mandate

The Great Commission, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, serves as a foundational directive for ministers to preach everywhere. Jesus commands His disciples, "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 all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20). This passage underscores the global scope of the Christian mission, emphasizing that the message of salvation is intended for all nations.

Similarly, in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus instructs, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). This command highlights the inclusivity of the Gospel message, affirming that it is to be shared with every individual, regardless of their background or status.

Apostolic Example

The Acts of the Apostles provides numerous examples of the early church's commitment to preaching everywhere. The Apostle Paul, in particular, exemplifies this mission. In Acts 13:47, Paul and Barnabas declare, "For this is what the Lord has commanded us: 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'" Paul's missionary journeys, as detailed in Acts, demonstrate his dedication to spreading the Gospel across diverse regions, from Asia Minor to Europe.

Paul's epistles further reinforce this commitment. In Romans 15:20, he writes, "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." This statement reflects Paul's desire to reach new territories and peoples with the message of Christ.

Theological Implications

The call for ministers to preach everywhere is rooted in the belief that the Gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). The universality of sin necessitates a universal proclamation of redemption through Jesus Christ. Ministers are thus seen as ambassadors for Christ, entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).

Furthermore, the eschatological vision presented in Revelation anticipates a diverse multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the throne of God (Revelation 7:9). This vision motivates the church to engage in global evangelism, ensuring that the message of hope reaches every corner of the earth.

Practical Considerations

In fulfilling the mandate to preach everywhere, ministers must be adaptable and culturally sensitive, recognizing the unique contexts in which they serve. The Apostle Paul's approach in 1 Corinthians 9:22, "I have become all things to all people, so that by all possible means I might save some," serves as a model for effective ministry. This adaptability does not compromise the core message of the Gospel but rather enhances its accessibility and relevance.

Ministers are also encouraged to utilize various platforms and methods to reach diverse audiences. The advancement of technology and communication offers unprecedented opportunities for the dissemination of the Gospel, enabling ministers to preach to a global audience.

In summary, the biblical mandate for ministers to preach everywhere is clear and compelling. Rooted in the teachings of Jesus and exemplified by the apostles, this call challenges ministers to engage in a mission that transcends boundaries, bringing the transformative message of the Gospel to all people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Mark 16:20
And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 8:4
Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Early Welcome and the First Ministers of the King
... THE EARLY WELCOME AND THE FIRST MINISTERS OF THE ... The word rendered 'preach' of course
means, literally, to ... It may seem singular that Christ should have spoken ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the early welcome and the.htm

Good Earnests of Great Success
... I tell you, sirs, he can find ministers for his truth"ay ... and said to him, "Now, sir,
you preach the gospel ... Why, I should not wonder if ere long in answer to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 14 1868/good earnests of great success.htm

Measures to Promote Revivals.
... have been held and dependence placed on ministers coming in ... of people's minds, so
as to know what to preach. Suppose a person who was sick should call in a ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xiv measures to promote.htm

Third Circuit of Galilee. The Twelve Instructed and Sent Forth.
... second commission impelled them to go everywhere and to ... to them.] 7 As ye go, preach,
saying, The ... religious bigotry with which his ministers should be opposed. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxi third circuit of galilee.htm

The Netherlands and Scandinavia.
... that repentance and faith are everywhere required as ... Paul declared that should he
preach any other ... that throughout the kingdom, ministers should explain the ...
/.../13 the netherlands and scandinavia.htm

The Netherlands and Scandinavia
... that repentance and faith are everywhere required as ... Paul declared that should he
preach any other ... that throughout the kingdom, ministers should explain the ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 13 the netherlands and.htm

Of the Teachers and Ministers of the Church. Their Election and ...
... He had previously commanded that they should distribute the ... the apostles,"they receive
a commission to preach the Gospel ... of us, as of the ministers of Christ ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 3 of the teachers.htm

Gospel Missions
... I protest if I could not itinerate this country of England, I could not bear to
preach. ... There should be fixed ministers and pastors, but those who are ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/gospel missions.htm

Knox's Writings from Abroad: Beginning of the Scottish Revolution ...
... {98b} His "true ministers," about half ... had asked her to do), "that no manner of person
should . ... preach or minister the sacraments, except they were admitted by ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter viii knoxs writings from.htm

Psalm IX.
... So then where a king, where a court, where ministers, where commonalty are found,
there ... As if they, who were sent to preach the Gospel, should make answer ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm ix.htm