“Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.” (Acts 17:1–3)
In the book of Acts we find the greatest missionary in the Book – Paul – going to where the people were. This included the markets and the synagogues. This is the Biblical pattern.
In this text we see it was his custom to go to the synagogue. Sadly, many modern day Baptists often fear going to places where the people are because of what other people [the brethren] might think.
Paul had no such reservations. He did not get into Thessolonica, pull together 4 or 5 believers of “like faith and practice” into a building to have a Bible study. He did not set up a service and invite people there. No! There is a time and place for that, but he went to where the people were. He went to the synagogues and he gave them a Bible study like nothing they had ever seen.
That’s what missionary work is all about. I believe we should be willing to carry the gospel into the Vatican or even the local bar if we can. And remember, it’s not just about WHAT is said from the pulpit. Often it’s about HOW we say what we preach from the pulpit and the conversations we have BEFORE and AFTER the message.
It’s much easier to preach to the folks of “like faith and practice” but the commission is beyond that! A missionary sent by God understands this and will go regardless of what others may say.
We shouldn’t always be “preaching to the choir.”
And by the way, pastors are to “do the work of an evangelist” too.