Missionary Work: Paul's First Journey

Missionary work is amazing.  If you are considering missionary work I would encourage you to look at a great example, like Paul.

Paul’s first journey began in Antioch. He then worked his way to cities like Salamis, Perga, Paphos and Lystra.

(Map from http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bible-maps/map-13)

Missionary work can be difficult but do not get discouraged.  Here are three things found in Acts 13: 1-5 that can help you to happy, faithful and strong:

1.) If you are struggling try fasting (devoted pray and selfless sacrifice to show the Lord your determination and need for his loving assistance)

I found this in verse 2: 

  2 As they ministered to the Lord, and ^afasted, the ^bHoly Ghostsaid, ^cSeparate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have ^dcalled them.

2.) Seek blessing through prayer and priesthood blessings.

 I found this in verse 3:

3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and ^alaid their ^bhands on them, they sent them away.

3.) Go forth to preach with the Holy ghost

I found this in verse 4 and 5:

4 ¶So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.

 5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.

Consider Barnabas.

He was son of consolation. He sold his possessions and gave the proceeds to the Apostles (Acts 4:36–37). He was with Paul on his missionary journey (Acts 13–14). Though he was not one of the Twelve, he was regarded as an Apostle (Acts 14:4, 14), dedicated to the service of the Bigger Picture which is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Serving 2 by 2

Advantages that I see by following Paul’s and Barnabas’ example of servings 2 by 2 is that you will have double the testimony and testifying power. One can back up the other.  There is also safety in numbers. They can keep each other in line. Learn from one another and protect each other from any harm that might come their way.

Miracles and humility

On your mission you might face many obstacle but you will also be able to help others and see God’s miracles at hand.  Paul and Barnabas beheld a crippled man and noticed that he had the faith to be healed. Without hesitation and with power from God, told the man to walk and he sprung up and walked.  The people tried to praise them but they stopped them and began missionary efforts to help the people away from vain ambitions and idolatry.

8 ¶And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a ^acripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked:

 9 The same heard Paul speak: who steadfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had ^afaith to be ^bhealed,

 10 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.

 11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The ^agods are come down to us in the likeness of men.

 12 And they called Barnabas, ^aJupiter; and Paul, ^bMercurius, because he was the chief speaker.

 13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.

 14 Which when the ^aapostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

 15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are ^amen of like ^bpassions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these ^cvanities unto the living God, which ^dmade heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

 16 Who in times past suffered all nations to ^awalk in their own^bways.

 17 Nevertheless he left not himself without ^awitness, in that he did good, and gave us ^brain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with ^cfood and gladness.

 18 And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.

Read and compare Acts 14:19-22 vs. Acts 14:8-13

How does the treatment and reception differ?

In Acts 14:19-22  You come to find out that there is mention of the negative reception and persecution whereas with Acts 14:8-13  they were accepted and praised.  This goes to show that you will come across those who will reject and others who will not.   Either way the blessing are there, it just depends on if those who are listening are receiving or rejecting. 

Paul said that in order to enter into the kingdom of God, we must pass through much trial and tribulation.  You will come across your fair share. Yours might be in the form of persecution but it might also come in the form of praise that may cause one to become prideful.  This is why we must rely on the Lord and always keep the bigger picture in mind.