Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God. (Romans 15:17)
For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient— in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation, but as it is written: “To whom He was not announced, they shall see; and those who have not heard shall understand.” [Isaiah 52:15] (Romans 15:18-21)
We have studied this before in detail, but it bears repeating again, that God has already made sure that every person and thing in creation knows that He exists; For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,... (Romans 1:18-20)
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. (Psalm 19:1-4) For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. (Romans 12:3) God does not need us to tell anyone He exists! We've often heard people say, "What about people in remote parts of the world? How can they be saved if they've never heard about God?" Well, they have heard, through creation, some in visions and dreams, etc.
But the Word of God is nothing new! Mankind everywhere was witnessed to from the time of Noah (Genesis 6-7); throughout the time God established the children of Israel as a nation in Canaan to Egypt and back to Canaan (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua); throughout the times that the Jews ruled in their own country then went into captivity by non-Jewish countries then back into their own country (Judges, I Samuel, II Samuel, I Kings, II Kings, I Chronicles, II Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Daniel); up to the time that Christ came then died then resurrected.
Before He ascended back to the Father, He commanded His disciples, And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." (Mark 16:15-16) Afterwards, the apostles and disciples were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. ... Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. (Acts 2:4-6, 41)
God took care of making sure the Word of God was spread throughout the world, and from generation to generation, the Word of God has been passed on; but those who believed were saved, and those who did not believe were condemned. And that's the truth up to today! Jesus said when He called Paul, "he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel." (Acts 9:15) Paul and many others did their part to make sure the Gospel was spread to all Gentiles throughout the world, from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum, fully preaching the gospel of Christ.
Paul went on to explain to the church in Rome that For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you. But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you, whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while. (Romans 15:22-24)
But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things. Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain. But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. (Romans 15:25-29)
A common theme in Paul's letters to the Gentile churches is to make sure to send a physical contribution to the saints in other areas who are working and struggling to spread the gospel of Christ. We should have that same spirit of charity also, and even consider being one of those that goes and teaches others about Christ. Everyone has been exposed to the Truth, but God can use us to help them understand and accept Christ as their Savior. Just as Phillip met with the Eunuch from Ethiopia, Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. (Acts 8:30-31) The Eunuch from Africa had the Word of God; he just needed someone to help explain it to him. Once Phillip took the time to do that, Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may [be baptised].” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” (Acts 8:37)
Paul nears the conclusion of this letter by asking for prayers for himself and also for all the others who had worked in spreading the gospel of Christ and taking care of the needs of the disciples and apostles. Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me, that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. (Romans 15:17-33)
I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also. (Romans 16:1-2)
Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house. (Romans 16:3-5)
Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia to Christ. Greet Mary, who labored much for us. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. (Romans 16:6-7)
Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved. Greet Apelles, approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my countryman. Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. (Romans 16:8-11)
Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord. Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren who are with them. Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you. (Romans 16:12-16)
What a list of unsung heroes! We all may not get recognized by men for what we do. We may not even get recognized by the church for what we do; but “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly." (Matthew 6:1-4) At the end of the day, all that matters is that Christ Jesus says to us, "Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord." (Matthew 25:21)
For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient— in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation, but as it is written: “To whom He was not announced, they shall see; and those who have not heard shall understand.” [Isaiah 52:15] (Romans 15:18-21)
We have studied this before in detail, but it bears repeating again, that God has already made sure that every person and thing in creation knows that He exists; For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,... (Romans 1:18-20)
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. (Psalm 19:1-4) For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. (Romans 12:3) God does not need us to tell anyone He exists! We've often heard people say, "What about people in remote parts of the world? How can they be saved if they've never heard about God?" Well, they have heard, through creation, some in visions and dreams, etc.
But the Word of God is nothing new! Mankind everywhere was witnessed to from the time of Noah (Genesis 6-7); throughout the time God established the children of Israel as a nation in Canaan to Egypt and back to Canaan (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua); throughout the times that the Jews ruled in their own country then went into captivity by non-Jewish countries then back into their own country (Judges, I Samuel, II Samuel, I Kings, II Kings, I Chronicles, II Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Daniel); up to the time that Christ came then died then resurrected.
Before He ascended back to the Father, He commanded His disciples, And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." (Mark 16:15-16) Afterwards, the apostles and disciples were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. ... Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. (Acts 2:4-6, 41)
God took care of making sure the Word of God was spread throughout the world, and from generation to generation, the Word of God has been passed on; but those who believed were saved, and those who did not believe were condemned. And that's the truth up to today! Jesus said when He called Paul, "he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel." (Acts 9:15) Paul and many others did their part to make sure the Gospel was spread to all Gentiles throughout the world, from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum, fully preaching the gospel of Christ.
Paul went on to explain to the church in Rome that For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you. But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you, whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while. (Romans 15:22-24)
But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things. Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain. But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. (Romans 15:25-29)
A common theme in Paul's letters to the Gentile churches is to make sure to send a physical contribution to the saints in other areas who are working and struggling to spread the gospel of Christ. We should have that same spirit of charity also, and even consider being one of those that goes and teaches others about Christ. Everyone has been exposed to the Truth, but God can use us to help them understand and accept Christ as their Savior. Just as Phillip met with the Eunuch from Ethiopia, Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. (Acts 8:30-31) The Eunuch from Africa had the Word of God; he just needed someone to help explain it to him. Once Phillip took the time to do that, Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may [be baptised].” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” (Acts 8:37)
Paul nears the conclusion of this letter by asking for prayers for himself and also for all the others who had worked in spreading the gospel of Christ and taking care of the needs of the disciples and apostles. Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me, that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. (Romans 15:17-33)
I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also. (Romans 16:1-2)
Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house. (Romans 16:3-5)
Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia to Christ. Greet Mary, who labored much for us. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. (Romans 16:6-7)
Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved. Greet Apelles, approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my countryman. Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. (Romans 16:8-11)
Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord. Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren who are with them. Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you. (Romans 16:12-16)
What a list of unsung heroes! We all may not get recognized by men for what we do. We may not even get recognized by the church for what we do; but “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly." (Matthew 6:1-4) At the end of the day, all that matters is that Christ Jesus says to us, "Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord." (Matthew 25:21)
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