The Impact and Legacy of Missionaries
Introduction
A missionary has been defined as a believer who shares the Gospel in a culture other than his own. I often humorously say I qualify as a Yankee sharing the Gospel in Louisiana. True as this may be we usually think of missionaries as people who travel to far away places. There the challenges may be many more than I have in the American south. For most it is the challenge of a new language.
St. Francis is quoted as saying “Share the Gospel whenever and were ever as possible an if necessary use words.” Missionaries have played a significant role in promoting education, health care, and social services.
Historical Background
Christian missionary efforts are grounded in the Gospels and Acts of the Apostles. Most of us are familiar with John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” For missionaries the important word is “world.”
This is further emphasised by Jesus in Matthew 28: 18-20
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
The Apostles as first missionaries
The first apostles, following the Great Commission given by Jesus to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), spread the Gospel to various regions beyond Jerusalem and Judea. Early Christian tradition and writings, such as those from Church Fathers and historians, offer accounts of where these apostles went:
Peter
Traditionally, Peter preached in Jerusalem and Judea initially. He then traveled to Antioch and eventually reached Rome, where he is believed to have become the leader of the Christian community and was martyred.
Paul (formerly Saul)
•While not one of the original twelve apostles, Paul is a significant figure. He traveled extensively throughout the Roman Empire, including Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), Greece, and Rome, spreading the Gospel and establishing churches.
James (Son of Zebedee)
•James stayed mainly in Jerusalem. He is considered the first apostle to be martyred, as recorded in Acts 12:2. Tradition doesn’t mention extensive travel for him.
John (Brother of James)
•John, the “beloved disciple,” is believed to have ministered in Jerusalem and later in Ephesus (in Asia Minor). Tradition also holds that he was exiled to the island of Patmos, where he wrote the Book of Revelation.
Andrew
•Andrew, Peter’s brother, is said to have preached in Asia Minor, Greece, and possibly regions as far north as Scythia (modern-day Ukraine and southern Russia). He is traditionally believed to have been martyred in Greece.
Philip
•Philip is believed to have preached in Phrygia (in Asia Minor) and is traditionally thought to have been martyred in Hierapolis (modern-day Turkey).
Bartholomew (also known as Nathanael)
•Tradition suggests that Bartholomew preached in India, Armenia, and possibly regions like Mesopotamia. He is believed to have been martyred in Armenia.
Thomas (also known as Didymus)
•Thomas is said to have traveled as far as India, where he established a Christian community known as the “Saint Thomas Christians.” He is traditionally believed to have been martyred in India.
Matthew (also known as Levi)
•Tradition indicates that Matthew preached in Ethiopia and possibly other regions in Africa. Some accounts also suggest he ministered in Persia (modern-day Iran).
James (Son of Alphaeus)
•Little is known about where James preached, but some traditions suggest he stayed in Jerusalem. He is often associated with missionary work in Egypt.
Thaddeus (also known as Jude or Lebbaeus)
•Thaddeus is believed to have preached in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) and possibly Persia. Tradition suggests he was martyred in the region.
Simon the Zealot
•Simon’s missionary journey is less clear, but tradition places him in places like Persia, North Africa, and even Britain. Accounts of his martyrdom vary by location.
Matthias (chosen to replace Judas Iscariot)
•Matthias is said to have preached in Judea initially and possibly further afield in Cappadocia (modern-day Turkey). He was reportedly martyred, but the location is uncertain.
These traditions highlight the apostles’ efforts to fulfill the Great Commission by spreading the Gospel far beyond their homeland, planting the seeds for Christianity’s growth across the ancient world.
The conversion of Europe
Early Christian missionaries in Europe played a crucial role in spreading the faith beyond the Mediterranean region, establishing churches, and converting various tribes and peoples. Below are some significant early missionaries who contributed to the spread of Christianity in Europe:
St. Paul (1st Century)
•Although not exclusive to Europe, Paul’s missionary journeys included important regions in Europe such as Greece (Corinth, Thessalonica, Philippi, Athens) and Rome.
•His letters to the early churches in these areas (e.g., Corinthians, Thessalonians, Romans) laid foundational theological and practical guidance for Christian communities.
St. Patrick (5th Century)
•Known as the “Apostle of Ireland,” Patrick, originally from Britain, was captured and taken to Ireland as a slave. After escaping, he later returned as a missionary.
•He established churches, monasteries, and schools throughout Ireland, converting many people to Christianity and laying the foundation for the strong Irish Christian tradition.
St. Augustine of Canterbury (6th Century)
•Sent by Pope Gregory the Great in 597 AD to convert the Anglo-Saxons in England, Augustine became the first Archbishop of Canterbury.
•He successfully converted King Æthelberht of Kent and helped establish a Christian presence in England, founding churches and monasteries.
St. Boniface (8th Century)
•Known as the “Apostle of the Germans,” Boniface was an English missionary who traveled to the Germanic tribes.
•He founded monasteries, reformed the Frankish church, and established the archbishopric of Mainz. His efforts were crucial in converting pagan tribes to Christianity in the region.
St. Columbanus (6th-7th Century)
•An Irish monk and missionary who founded several monasteries in France, Switzerland, and Italy. His monastic rule and missionary work significantly influenced European Christianity.
•Columbanus was also known for preaching to the pagan Lombards in Italy and establishing the monastery of Bobbio, which became an important center of learning.
St. Willibrord (7th-8th Century)
•An English missionary who became known as the “Apostle to the Frisians” (modern-day Netherlands).
•He established several churches and the monastery of Echternach, and he worked closely with the Frankish rulers to spread Christianity in the region.
St. Cyril and St. Methodius (9th Century)
•Known as the “Apostles to the Slavs,” these two brothers from Thessalonica (modern-day Greece) were missionaries to the Slavic peoples of Central and Eastern Europe.
•They created the Glagolitic alphabet, which later evolved into Cyrillic, and translated the Bible into Old Church Slavonic, making Christianity accessible to the Slavic population.
•Their efforts were instrumental in the Christianization of the Slavs in regions like Great Moravia and beyond.
St. Ansgar (9th Century)
•Known as the “Apostle of the North,” Ansgar was a missionary to Scandinavia, primarily Denmark and Sweden.
•He established churches in these regions and worked to spread Christianity among the Vikings, laying the groundwork for future conversions.
St. Martin of Tours (4th Century)
•Born in modern-day Hungary, Martin served as a soldier before becoming a Christian and a monk. He became the Bishop of Tours in Gaul (modern-day France) and was known for his missionary efforts throughout the region.
•Martin founded monasteries and preached against pagan practices, becoming an influential figure in early European Christianity.
St. Remigius (St. Remi) (5th Century)
•Remigius was instrumental in the conversion of Clovis I, the king of the Franks, around 496 AD. This event was pivotal as it led to the Christianization of the Frankish kingdom, a major power in Europe.
•By baptizing Clovis and his followers, Remigius helped establish a Christian foundation that would influence the future of Europe.
These early missionaries were essential in spreading Christianity throughout Europe, often working in challenging circumstances and confronting cultural and religious resistance. Their efforts contributed to the formation of Christian communities and institutions that became the backbone of medieval European countries.
Positive Contributions of Christian Missionaries
•Founding of schools, hospitals, and orphanages, often providing services to underserved communities.
•Translation of the Bible into local languages and the preservation of indigenous languages.
•Advocacy for social reforms, such as anti-slavery movements and human rights efforts..
Modern Christian Missionary Work
Aside from the obvious facilitation of modern methods of transportation, the most important modern advancement for missionaries has been the computerization of translation and sharing of the Bible. Tynsdale Bible Translators (https://tyndalebibletranslators.org) mission is to translate the Bible into every known language. They go so far as to create written language forms for people who have none.
Could you be a missionary?
It has-been said that we are in a post Christian era. The modern world has become increasingly secularized. Perhaps, the re-conversion of our own culture is the newest mission art field.
Conclusion
Clearly missionaries have been the primary reason for the advancement of Christianity across the whole world. The church would not exist without missionaries. At a time of cultural secu, arism each Christian is called to be ready to share the Gospel. Moreover, remember to be an example by our lived Gospel as well as our words.
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