For the Work to Which I Have Called Them
Mission Among the Nations
By Will Bourne · Bourne Again Media LLC
Acts 13–20 · 13–20
The journey of this volume
How do we take part in God’s work without making ourselves its center? Acts 13 through 20 follows witnesses across cultures, through welcome and resistance, and into communities learning to live by grace. Begin with the praying church at Antioch, where calling becomes shared discernment and sending. This journey invites courageous speech, humble partnership, and responsible service that keeps the risen Jesus at the heart of the mission.
What might faithful participation look like in the work already entrusted to me?
What you’ll explore
- The Spirit calling and sending
- Witness centered on the risen Jesus
- Grace across cultural boundaries
- Shared responsibility in mission
Called within a praying community
Begin with Acts 13 in your Bible. Read Acts 13 from Antioch’s worshiping community to the witnesses’ proclamation and departure. Notice who calls, how the church responds, and what Paul announces about Jesus.
The following reading summarizes Chapter 13, “Called Sent and Centered on Jesus,” with a selected excerpt from the manuscript.
Acts 13 begins with a diverse teaching community serving the Lord. The Spirit calls Barnabas and Saul, and the assembly responds through prayer and sending. Will connects this shared discernment with continuing care and responsibility.
Paul’s proclamation follows God’s action in Israel’s story toward Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. Forgiveness and justification through Him keep the message centered on grace rather than the importance of the messengers.
Welcome and opposition appear within the same movement. The witnesses speak courageously and continue when they are driven away. The commentary invites accountable service across difference while entrusting results to the Lord.
Called within a praying community
The Holy Spirit says, “Separate Barnabas and Saul for me, for the work to which I have called them.” The workers belong first to God, and the work is God’s before it is theirs. Calling does not begin with self-promotion. It is recognized within a praying church and directed toward service beyond the familiar community.
Will Bourne · From Commentary 13, “Called Sent and Centered on Jesus,” in For the Work to Which I Have Called Them
Following Christ through this movement
God’s promise reaches its fulfillment in the risen Jesus. The mission announces what He has done, inviting people to receive forgiveness and continue in God’s grace.
The Spirit calls and sends a community whose life remains accountable to Christ. Humility, truthful speech, shared care, and respect for people give practical shape to participation in His mission.
Continue in Scripture
Isaiah 49:6 · Psalm 2:7–12 · Galatians 2:15–21
Read these passages alongside the selected manuscript chapter. Keep each literary and historical setting in view while following the biblical witness toward Christ and faithful practice today.
A question to carry
Where do I need to listen before speaking or acting? Who could help me discern a next step with prayer, honesty, and attention to my responsibilities?
Stay with one person or situation that comes to mind. Notice what this passage brings into view before deciding how to respond.
Back to section choices ↑One faithful step
Bring one possible act of service into prayer and a trusted conversation. Clarify the need, your responsibilities, and the help required. Take one realistic step that honors the people involved and leaves room for correction.
Back to section choices ↑A prayer for the journey
Risen Jesus, keep Your truth and grace at the center of our service. Holy Spirit, teach us to listen together, discern faithfully, and go with courage. Form humble partners who share responsibility and seek our neighbors’ good. Amen.
Back to section choices ↑The formation emphasis in this volume
Will’s commentary places mission within the Spirit’s initiative and the life of a praying church. Workers are called into service that belongs to God, and the witness stays centered on the risen Jesus.
The formation emphasis holds courage together with shared discernment, honest limits, and responsible care. Faithful partners listen across difference, remain open to correction, and continue in grace without needing to control outcomes.
Editorial summary of Will Bourne’s manuscript.
Back to section choices ↑