Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
NASB | Matthew 24:14 "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 24:14 "This good news of the kingdom [the gospel] will be preached throughout the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end [of the age] will come. |
Subject: Every NATION or every PERSON? |
Bible Note: Greetings Kalos, This is certainly a question worthy of consideration for all Christians. Exactly what is called for and expected of us regarding what many consider our greatest responsibility toward men. Personally, I have always heard it preached and taught to mean that EVERY individual will hear and have the opportunity to believe. That the “great commission” in fact is the command to go and tell every individual the good new of Christ. Not my understanding at all however, and not, I believe, consistent within the context of scripture as a whole. Some points to ponder: 1. While it is true that today’s technology offers significant opportunity to reach the masses in a way never imagined in biblical times, it falls far short of being able to speak to every individual. Hundreds of thousands of people live without the most simple means of communication such as telephone, radio, television. Many of those are also unable to read and write even in their own language. In spite of the advances of technology, we continue to be unable to locate some individuals, even ones that we know by name and are seeking (e.g., Osama Bin Laden). One may argue, he does not want to be found. The same is true for many individuals concerning the gospel. 2. Consider the conversion of Paul (Saul). It was a very dramatic event. He was not alone. Yet in the company of men, he was the only one to hear the “voice” and “words” of Christ and be called. Why did the Lord not give all who were there the opportunity to hear and believe on that dusty road to Damascus? We can wonder, but it is not our place to question who and why God calls this one and that one He does not. 3. One more point. Consider the words of Jesus spoken to the twelve when he sent them out to the people: Mat 10:12 As you enter the house, greet it. Mat 10:13 If the house is receptive, let your blessing of peace come on it. But if it isn't receptive, let your blessing of peace return to you. Mat 10:14 If no one welcomes you or listens to your words, as you leave that house or town, shake its dust off your feet. Mat 10:15 Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town!" Jesus doesn’t tell them to make personal contact with each and every person in the towns, or even in the specific houses for that matter. Quite the contrary. When asking the question: “what does ‘This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations...”, what is the best answer supported by scripture? Simply, that the gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the WHOLE WORLD, and to ALL NATIONS. Since it doesn’t say -to every person- then we shouldn’t attempt to make it say that. This should not, of course, keep us from the effort of reaching as many as each of us INDIVIDUALLY can however. It has not been given to us to know that this one has been called and empowered to believe and that one has not. My once and a half cents worth, Jeff |