A Call To CommunityПримерок

Paul: Embracing God's Community

Home. As he boarded yet another ship, Paul was reminded that he no longer would find that destination on this earth. He’d given up his community and his position to serve the very people he once hated. And he wouldn’t trade it for anything. Smiling, he set sail for another community waiting to hear the Good News. 

Paul was handpicked by God to reach the Gentiles with the gospel. Previously known as Saul, he had been an avid hater of Christians and zealously persecuted them using his power as a Jewish leader—until he had a life-changing encounter with Jesus. 

The Lord himself declared his life purpose: “Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and the kings, as well as to the people of Israel” (Acts 9:15b). And he did just that—faithfully, passionately and willingly—for the rest of his life. Paul, the man who had once persecuted Christians, became the first missionary. 

Paul traveled and shared the gospel with everyone, whether Jew or Gentile. He spent time with people, loving them, admonishing them and encouraging them in their pursuit of a relationship with Jesus. 

In many ways, Paul was a nomad. He gave up his home to live the life of a traveling missionary. His community wasn’t determined by proximity or location—it was determined by a mutual love of Christ. And as he spread the Good News, he challenged and encouraged Christian communities. He personally invited many people to join God’s global family, and his epistles continue to invite more people today. 

Paul’s example demonstrates that we can find community everywhere we go when we have the commonality of a relationship with Jesus. He didn’t shy away from people—he immersed himself in their lives and communities. He chose to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those around him. And as a result, more and more people joined the global community of believers.

Points to Ponder:

• How can you be a missionary to the world around you? You don’t have to be called overseas to declare the gospel—you can share it with your neighbors, family, friends or even the person in line next to you at the grocery store.  
• Consider participating in God’s global community through prayer, giving or service. Learn more about these opportunities at wycliffe.org.

Learn more about how to engage God’s global community. Read “7 Ways to Live Cross-Culturally” at wycliffe.org/community/7-ways-to-live-cross-culturally.