Scripture has four verses that explicitly speak of the gospel with reference to all nations:
“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come” (Matt. 24:14).
“And the gospel must first be published among all nations” (Mk. 13:10).
“And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed” (Gal. 3:8)
“And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people” (Rev. 14:6).
Galatians 3:8 quotes Genesis 12:3, which refers to all the families of the earth: “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” Mark 16:16 records that Jesus commanded gospel ministry to every individual: “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
Compiling the data from these references plainly reveals that God has ordained gospel ministry to all:
- all nations (Matt. 24:14; Mk. 13:10; Gal. 3:8)
- all families (Gen. 12:3)
- every creature (Mk. 16:15)
- those that dwell on the earth (Rev. 14:6)
- every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people (Rev. 14:6)
Let us therefore make known to all God’s desire to bless all through the gospel!
Copyright © 2011-2024 by Rajesh Gandhi. All rights reserved.
The “mystery” concept of Paul’s writings underscores this as well–the mystery, now more fully revealed than in the OT (though it was not absent there), is that the Gospel was never intended only for the Jews, but people of every tribe, tongue, and nation. The Jews were the funnel through which the Gospel was poured into the container of our world.
Informs our understanding of some uses of “world” and “all” in the NT also, as in “all” classes of people rather than every individual person. Also brings out an oft-missed emphasis that is essential to understanding the book of Romans–the Gospel is not being merely for the Jews but for Jews and gentiles alike. You stirred good thoughts Rajesh. Keep it up!
Thanks for the feedback and encouragement, Dennis. Good to hear from you.