For years missiologists and other church leaders have emphasized various "key texts" in their discussion of the mandate for world missions. Their attention has focused largely on the postresurrection sayings of Jesus, especially His charge commonly designated the Great Commission.

But is that historical emphasis a biblical emphasis? Does the history of missionary activity in apostolic times indicate that the main scriptural basis for missionary evangelism is properly derived from these few passages?

Examining several portions of Scripture not traditionally considered in terms of missions, Robert Duncan Culver constructs a theology and system for world evangelization.

Matthew 9:35-38-Jesus vision of the field ripe for harvest

Matthew 10:5-15-examples from the apostles missions...and ours

Matthew 13:1-3-Christ's instructions, in parables and preaching

Mark 4:21-25-the disciples' duty to propagate the good news

Romans 10, 15-Paul's arguments for special missions of going and sending

Matthew 28:19-20-the Great Commission

Culver's scholarly, significant work provides a new perspective on an old, but timely, subject.