Biblical Contextualization in Missionary Work and Evangelism
Biblical Contextualization in Missionary Work and Evangelism
The concept of biblical contextualization in missionary work and evangelism is rooted in the biblical text, where missionaries and evangelists are encouraged to adapt their approach to effectively communicate the Gospel to diverse audiences. The biblical basis for contextualization is evident in the ministry of Jesus Christ, who demonstrated compassion and sympathy towards various groups, including the weary, afflicted, and perishing sinners [1].
In the New Testament, the apostles were sent to reap the harvest of souls, building upon the labor of others who had prepared the ground [2, 8]. For instance, Jesus sent the disciples to the Samaritans, who had been prepared by the Old Testament laborers and the Baptist [2]. Similarly, the apostle Paul labored to preach Christ to the Gentiles, striving according to God's working in him [5].
The biblical principle of contextualization is also reflected in the early Christian church's practice of supporting missionary evangelists. The apostle John commended Gaius for his hospitality towards these evangelists, encouraging him to continue supporting them on their journey [4]. This practice is echoed in the writings of the apostle Paul, who expressed gratitude for the support of the Gentile churches in their ministry to the poor saints at Jerusalem [7].
The biblical text emphasizes the importance of adapting one's approach to effectively communicate the Gospel. The apostle Paul, for example, became a "herald and teacher of the Gentiles" [3], demonstrating an understanding of the need to contextualize the message for different audiences. This approach is consistent with the biblical principle of being "all things to all people" to win some to Christ.
The Presbyterian, Baptist/Reformed, and Nonconformist/Puritan traditions have all contributed to the understanding of biblical contextualization in missionary work and evangelism. Commentators such as Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown, as well as John Gill, have highlighted the importance of adapting one's approach to effectively communicate the Gospel [2, 3, 5, 8].
The biblical text also underscores the significance of the priesthood of Christ in the context of missionary work and evangelism. The author of Hebrews emphasizes the excellency of Christ's priesthood and the new dispensation or covenant for which He is the Mediator [6]. This understanding is essential for effective contextualization, as it highlights the centrality of Christ in the Gospel message.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Compassion and Sympathy of Christ, The — Necessary to his priestly office -- Heb 5:2,7. Manifested for the Weary and heavy-laden. -- Mt 11:28-30. Weak in faith. -- Isa 40:11; 42:3; Mt 12:20. Tempted. -- Heb 2:18. Afflicted. -- Lu 7:13; Joh 11:33,35. Diseased. -- Mt 14:14; Mr 1:41. Poor. -- Mr 8:2. Perishing sinners. -- Mt 9:36; Lu 19:41; Joh 3:16. An encouragement to prayer -- Heb 4:15.”
- John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on John 4:38: I sent you, &c.--The I is emphatic--I, the Lord of the whole harvest: "sent you," points to their past appointment to the apostleship, though it has reference only to their future discharge of it, for they had nothing to do with the present ingathering of the Sycharites. ye bestowed no labour--meaning that much of their future success would arise from the preparation already made for them. (See on Joh 4:42). others laboured--Referring to the Old Testament laborers, the Baptist, and by implication Himself, though He studiously keeps this in the backgr”
- 1 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Timothy 2:7: Whereunto--For the giving of which testimony. I am ordained--literally, "I was set": the same Greek, as "putting me," &c. (Ti1 1:12). preacher--literally, "herald" (Co1 1:21; Co1 9:27; Co1 15:11; Ti2 1:11; Tit 1:3). He recurs to himself, as in Ti1 1:16, in himself a living pattern or announcement of the Gospel, so here "a herald and teacher of (it to) the Gentiles" (Gal 2:9; Eph 3:1-12; Col 1:23). The universality of his commission is an appropriate assertion here, where he is arguing to prove that prayers are to be made "for all men" (Ti1 2:1). ”
- 3 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 3 John 1:6: borne witness of thy charity before the church--to stimulate others by the good example. The brethren so entertained by Gaius were missionary evangelists (Jo3 1:7); and, probably, in the course of narrating their missionary labors for the edification of the Church where John then was, incidentally mentioned the loving hospitality shown them by Gaius. bring forward on their journey--"If thou (continue to) forward on their journey" by giving them provisions for the way. after a godly sort--Greek, "in a manner worthy of God," whose ambassadors they are”
- Colossians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Colossians 1:29: Whereunto I also labour,.... In the word and doctrine, by preaching Christ, warning sinners of their danger, teaching them the way of salvation, and their duty; with this view, that, in thee great day of account, he might bring a large number of them, and set them before Christ as the seals of his ministry, as instances of the grace of Christ, and as perfect in him: striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily; meaning either in his prayers, earnestly entreating of God that he would succeed his labours, and bless them to the conversion of many”
- Hebrews (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Hebrews 8 (introduction): In this chapter the apostle pursues his former subject, the priesthood of Christ. And, I. He sums up what he had already said (Heb 8:1, Heb 8:2). II. He sets before them the necessary parts of the priestly office (Heb 8:3-5). And, III. Largely illustrates the excellency of the priesthood of Christ, by considering the excellency of that new dispensation or covenant for which Christ is the Mediator (Heb 8:6 to the end).”
- 2 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Corinthians 9:13: Whiles by the experiment of this ministration,.... That is, the poor saints at Jerusalem having a specimen, a proof, an experience of the liberality of the Gentile churches ministered to them by the apostles, first, they glorify God; by giving thanks unto him, acknowledging him to be the author of all the grace and goodness which they, and others, were partakers of; particularly for your professed subjection to the Gospel of Christ. The Gospel of Christ is the doctrine of grace, life, and salvation by Christ, of which he is the author, as God, the subject m”
- John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on John 4:38: I sent you to reap,.... To preach the Gospel, and gather in souls by your ministry; referring to the mission of them in Mat 10:6; that whereon ye bestowed no labour; being sent to the Jews, who had the writings of the prophets, and were versed in them; and had learned from them that the Messiah was to come, and were now in general expectation of him; so that they had nothing more to do, than to declare to those persons who were cultivated by the prophets, and were like to ground tilled and manured, that the Messiah was come, and the kingdom of heaven was at hand. Ot”