Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria - Acts 1:8

The Argument: This appears to be the pattern the Lord gave the disciples in Acts 1:8. The verse reads "...you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth". Therefore, the disciples were to reach those closest to them first (in Jerusalem), then those less close to us, but in the same cultural group (Judea), and only after this, to reach out cross-culturally (Samaria and to the end of the earth). It was certainly a successful pattern (see the amazing growth of the church in the first century!) and it also seems a reasonable one - because if we can't reach out when there are no cultural barriers, how can we expect to reach out when there are so many cultural difficulties?

The Problem: The argument ignores the simple fact that the disciples were not Judeans. They were Galileans (see Acts 1:11, and Acts 2:7). Therefore, they were already reaching out cross-culturally right from day 1. If Jesus wanted them to start with their family members, He would never have told them to stay in Jerusalem.

So what is the "correct" Acts 1:8 strategy?: Very good question. Why did the Lord command the disciples to start at Jerusalem? A big clue is found in Acts 2:5. There, we find that "When the Day of Pentecost had fully come... there were, dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven". The Lord chose Jerusalem so that the gospel could be spread, within months, to every single nation in the known world. God's desire has always been to have His word spread as widely and as quickly as possible.

Implications For Our Outreach: Certainly, we try to reach those we have been placed amongst - our family and friends. But should these people be our main emphasis? Jesus did not appear to think so, during His public ministry. Where should we try to reach out, then? The answer seems to be this - wherever success would give the gospel the greatest possible spread. Migrants. Universities and Colleges. Refugees. Unreached countries overseas. Perhaps you could spend five minutes or so thinking about the various groups in your community. Ask yourself: If I were guaranteed success in my witness, which group would then take the gospel the farthest and widest? Or if most of the groups already have some active Christians amongst them, ask yourself which groups have the least? If you not only spend these five minutes, but then move to get to know some of them, and commit yourself to pray for them, you may well find your life and ministry revolutionized - as well as seeing an extra chapter in the Lamb's Book written before your very eyes!

But! But! But!: "I don't feel capable of reaching out cross-culturally". You may not be - the disciples weren't. That's why Jesus commanded them to wait until the Holy Ghost empowered them. The strength should always be the Lord's and not our own. Trust that He will give His power freely and liberally! "We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the glory may be of God and not of us". And in case you are still sceptical, or unwilling to go and reach others before your own family is saved, remember what Jesus said about a prophet in his own country...

But! But! But!: "I don't think I'm called to overseas missions". You may not be called to go overseas - but the fact is, the great commission is a command to all Christians to make disciples of all nations. Everyone is "called" to at least support "other nations" ministry, at least in praying or giving - and perhaps a great many are supposed to go but end up staying home. Please don't become one of them!

I Have A Comment: I'd love to hear it! Please send me some mail.