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Aug 12, 2026 06:00am

Don’t Shoot the Messenger

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While today we have more modern forms of communication, ancient methods included sending a messenger to deliver news. Whether it was good or bad. Oftentimes, messengers were used in war, delivering news of defeat or victory in battle. They would report how many lives had been lost, details of the battle, and they might also have a message for the king or general.
And because of the news they brought, they could be punished or killed. This is how this phrase, “don’t shoot the messenger,” came about.

It wasn’t his plan or his intentions. He was simply the messenger. He had been sent with news that needed to be delivered. And no matter the cost, even if it meant his life, he was going to bring it to the people.
1 Thessalonians 2:1-4
“For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict. 3 For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.
4 But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.”

Paul, an apostle of Christ. A changed man, no longer a Pharisee of the law, now had a message of grace, truth, and life. He was entrusted with the message of the gospel. It was his duty and honor to share that message no matter the cost. In Philippi, he had been arrested for sharing that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. But fear of imprisonment, beatings, or even death wouldn’t stop this messenger.

This missionary.

Because he knew the power of the gospel. He knew how coming to Jesus Christ would change others if they only heard the truth. He knew the transformation that would take place. And he knew that without this message, they would die in their sins.
His message wasn’t about pleasing men, but honoring God. He was called to share the gospel the moment he was changed.
Did you realize you’ve been given this honor and responsibility too if you’re a follower of Jesus?
Often people think it’s just the role and duty of a pastor or missionary to share the gospel and make disciples. But it’s what Jesus told all of His disciples to do.
Let Paul be our example to do so with boldness, courage, and determination. This message is too important to be stopped by fear. Because without it, those who are lost will die in their sins.