The Greatest Missionary Ever Called
Text: Acts 9:15 – “He is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name…”
When we speak of missions, no figure looms larger than the Apostle Paul. From his dramatic conversion to his tireless journeys, Paul embodied what it means to be a missionary—one called, commissioned, committed, and Christ-centered. In this study, we look at why Paul can rightly be called the greatest missionary ever.
1. A Clear Calling
Paul’s journey begins not with personal ambition but with a clear calling
Jesus said of him, “He is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel”.
This wasn’t a vague impression—it was a divine appointment. Paul’s calling was so significant that he referenced it repeatedly (see Galatians 1:15–16).
Application: God still speaks clearly. Have you answered His call?
2. A Commission to the Cross-Cultured
Paul’s mission field was not limited to his comfort zone. He was called to a cross-cultural commission, preaching to Jews, Gentiles, kings, and pagans alike. He spoke in synagogues, marketplaces, homes, and prisons.
Acts 13:47 captures his heartbeat: “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.”
He traveled more than 10,000 miles by land and sea, planting churches in Asia Minor, Macedonia, and Rome—all without modern transportation or technology.
Application: The Gospel knows no borders. Where is God calling you to go beyond your culture?
3. Consuming Commitment
Paul’s ministry was marked by consuming commitment. He was beaten, imprisoned, shipwrecked, mocked, and left for dead—yet he pressed on.
2 Corinthians 11:23–28 gives us a glimpse of his hardships. And yet he writes in Philippians 1:21: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
He wasn’t in it for applause—he was all in for Christ.
Application: True missions require sacrifice. What are you willing to endure for the sake of the Gospel?
4. Church-Centered Ministry
Paul didn’t just evangelize—he established communities of faith. His ministry was church-centered. He discipled believers, appointed elders, and followed up with letters of encouragement and correction.
Acts 14:21–23 shows his pattern: preach the Gospel, make disciples, strengthen the saints, and appoint leadership.
The letters of Paul—to churches like those in Ephesus, Corinth, and Philippi—are foundational for church doctrine and practice today.
Application: Are you contributing to the building of the local church? Missions without the church is incomplete.
5. Christ-Centered Message
Above all, Paul’s message was unmistakably Christ-centered. He didn’t preach morality, philosophy, or religion—he preached the crucified and risen Christ.
In 1 Corinthians 2:2 he declares, “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”
Paul adjusted his methods but never compromised his message. Whether before kings or prisoners, his theme was always Jesus.
Application: Keep Christ at the center of your life and message. The world doesn’t need more opinions—it needs the truth of Jesus.
Conclusion: The Greatest Missionary Ever Called
Paul’s life challenges us. He heard the call, crossed cultures, stayed committed, built the church, and preached Christ. His mission continues through us.
As he wrote in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”
Reflection Questions:
- Have you heard and obeyed God’s call on your life?
- Are you willing to cross cultural and personal boundaries for the Gospel?
- What does consuming commitment look like in your ministry?
- How are you helping to build and strengthen the local church?
- Is Christ the center of your message and life?
Call to Action:
Pray for a missionary. Support one financially. Go on a mission trip. Share the Gospel with someone this week. Let Paul’s legacy inspire your obedience.