All except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.

— Acts 8:1

This week let’s focus on another important mission word: intercultural. To be intercultural followers of Jesus means that we engage with people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds to join in God’s mission to the whole world.

If we look closely at the early church in the book of Acts, we can see this principle in action. Jesus spent most of his teaching ministry among his own (Jewish) people, but he gave many hints that the good news of the kingdom is intended for all nations. The focus of missions started in Jerusalem. And when believers in Christ were scattered because of persecution, they “preached the word wherever they went.”

Jesus had promised that his followers would witness in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). And in our passage today we see an example of how the preaching of the gospel spread from Jerusalem into Judea and Samaria.

As the good news of Jesus spread, it crossed ethnic boundaries. And within a few years missionaries like the apostle Paul and others spread the word of God’s salvation in Christ throughout the Roman Empire and beyond. Today the fastest growing parts of the church are in places like Africa, Asia, and Central America. Jesus’ promise is still unfolding today!

Jesus, thank you that your good news is for everyone from every culture and nation. We pray for your worldwide church and for missionaries serving in cross-cultural contexts. Amen.