Romans 15:20-21 and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation, 21 but as it is written, “Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.”
Paul’s goal was to go to new places and preach the gospel where it had not been heard yet. He “makes it his ambition” and goal, the focus of his energies. Christ had called him on the road to Damascus and he had been faithful to this call (Acts 26:19). He wanted to be on the front lines and not build on someone else’s work. There are some people are called specifically to be church planters and evangelists (Ephesians 4:11-12). Others will be called and gifted in consolidating and teaching people. Each believer will have gifts that can be used for God’s kingdom. Few people will have the far reaching influence as Paul the Apostle. Everyone can bear witness within our spheres of influence, such as family, co-workers, and community (those we meet in the stores and so on). Paul wanted to take the gospel to new places, plant the seed, start a church, train the leaders to continue the work, and then move on to another location. Paul did not do this alone but always had people with him. Many of them are named in the New Testament. He and his colleagues went to “those who have never heard.” Paul quotes Isaiah 52:15 in v. 21 as support for his method and motive of ministry. The world is a big place today. The need for getting the gospel out continues as the population grows. We have many creative ways to do this today with the help of technology. However, nothing replaces personal relationships.
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