A Biblical Theology of Missions

by George W. Peters

This exhaustive theology of missions focuses on theory and biblical mandates for missions as a vital part of theology. George Peters, a foremost missions authority, considers both liberal and conservative views, although his own stance is solidly evangelical.

Genres: Theology, Christian

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Bryon]

This book just showed up in my office one day. I'm thankful that books find their way into my hands. This book is the most thorough work on missiology I've ever read. I'll be honest, I don't like to mark up my books (especially the ones that have that new book smell), but I marked up, circled, and note scribbled everywhere in this book.

"It is my impression that the Bible is not a book about theology as such, but rather, a record of theology in mission - God in action in behalf of the salvation of mankind."

George W. Peters writes like an academic, but it's good for you to read a little over your head (in my case, a lot over my head).

How about this:

"The Bible is the basis and source of faith and not the result of faith."

Pretty good, huh? You wish you said that.

Everyone that is serious about going into the mission field or serious about teaching about missions should have this book in his or her library. I'll refer to this book over and over through out my ministry, I'm sure.

http://mondokblog.blogspot.com/2008/0...

[Laurent Dv]

Excellent, as the title says, biblical theology of missions, but it's more than this.
The book is quite complete, biblical and practical :
There are a study of mission from Genesis to Revelation, the link between the culturate mandate and the great commission (he says that they are different, even in their substance, I disagree), biblical mission's strategy (general), analysis of the offices related to missions (elders, evangelist), discussion on the local church, universal church and missionary associations, prayer and Holy Spirit in missions and so on.

I appreciate the fact that it is quite equilibrate (in length) in its treatment of Old and New Testament.
Quite old (published in 1974) but still very usefull.

[Joshua Casey]

I think that this book is a great book for all Christian to read. It started off slow in the first section and I didn’t want to finish... but I’m glad I did. It was so good and the other two sections were amazing. Not just for ministry workers but should be read by all Christians.

[Alton Costa]

A deep insight on missions.

A wonderful build up and very deep insight on the importance of missions not just as part of a church program but deeply engrained as part of our Christian lifestyle

[James Creasman]

Helped me to think theologically.

[Joseph Henry Kester]

"Salvation is not a detached gift of God in some gracious and miraculous way bestowed upon man. Salvation is Christ, and to experience salvation is to experience Christ. Salvation is person-centered. It is Christ-identification. It is not the experience of something, but rather the experience of Someone. The Bible does not teach that Christ has salvation and dispenses it like a benevolent master giving gifts to his servants who obey him. Christ is our salvation and gives Himself to us as our salvation."

In A Biblical Theology of Mission, Peters built a theology of missions on this understanding of Christocentricity. While I disagree with some of his other theological convictions, I gladly join him on this solid rock.

[C.J. Moore]

Generally helpful. Gives a prioritistic framework for missions, and he even notes that within the missio Dei, there are likely primary and secondary categories for what God is seeking to do in the world.

However, the book seems "jumbled together." There is not a good logical flow or pace to the book. Note that, from the outset, he says various chapters were already published elsewhere. Nonetheless, I'm thankful for Peters' perspective and work here, even if we are in different theological camps.

[Zachary Martin]

My favorite portion of this incredibly helpful and insightful book was the section on the missional theology of the Old Testament. Seeing the framework of global missions that started in Genesis and culminates in Revelation paints a clear picture for the reader of the emphasis and importance of missions for Christianity. While a technical read, I cannot think of a better book that argues for missions biblically.

[John Muriango]

Excellente!

[Seth Meyers]

Author's point: The whole Bible leads toward missions.
My evaluation: Faithful and accurate overall with over 700 Scripture references, but not many insights.