THEOLOGY OF MISSION

A Concise Biblical Theology

J. D. PAYNE

Theology of Mission: A Concise Biblical Theology

Copyright 2021 J. D. Payne

Lexham Press, 1313 Commercial St., Bellingham, WA 98225

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Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are the author’s own translation or are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Print ISBN 9781683595724

Digital ISBN 9781683595755

Library of Congress Control Number 2021941978

Lexham Editorial: Todd Hains, Jake Raabe, Kelsey Matthews, Jessi Strong, Mandi Newell

Cover Design: Lydia Dahl, Brittany Schrock

To the One who was in the beginning and coming soon,

and to Sarah, his amazing blessing to me

Contents

Preface

1 Missional Hermeneutic

2 The God Who Sends

3 Mission in Torah

4 Mission in the Prophets

5 Mission in the Writings

6 Mission in the Synoptics

7 Mission in John

8 Mission in Acts

9 Mission in the Pauline Epistles

10 Mission in the General Epistles

11 Mission in Revelation

Conclusion: Reflections and Application to Contemporary Practice

Bibliography

Subject Index

Scripture Index

Preface

Whenever I ask a class for biblical support of God’s mission in the world, the Matthean account of the Great Commission (Matt 28:18–20) is usually the first passage referenced. Of course, there is nothing wrong with pointing to this Scripture. Whenever I ask for another passage, Acts 1:8 is often stated, then a general reference to Paul’s missionary journeys. Beyond these, I usually receive no additional support.

Why is this the case? Is this all there is in the Bible when it comes to God’s mission—just a few texts? God has chosen to reveal himself through many books, and is his mission only connected to a few sentences in two books? Is this all the Bible provides on the topic? Have we allowed a few verses to be the primary support system for the church’s modern apostolic work? While Matthew 28:18–20 is a rich text and incredibly important to the church’s task, there is so much more in the Bible related to God’s mission. In fact, the global mission task would still be valid even if Jesus never spoke those words.1

Throughout the twentieth century, mission came to mean a variety of activities. Little has changed today. The church frequently engages in actions labeled “missions,” even if the gospel of Jesus Christ is never shared! We continue to reside in a world of competing voices, some better than others. This is true within the church and outside the church. We need to know what is contained in the Scriptures, especially when it comes to such an important topic as our study. Theology shapes Christian decision-making.2

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About Theology of Mission: A Concise Biblical Theology

In Theology of Mission: A Concise Biblical Theology, J. D. Payne traces the theme of mission throughout Scripture. Payne shows that God’s mission is on every page of the Bible and is foundational to the church’s own existence. With reflection questions, readers can consider their place in God’s work.

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Table of Contents