Extent of Apostolic Missionary Labours
H. M. Luckock, D. D. Mark 13:10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations. Doubtless this prediction will only receive its complete accomplishment in the secondary application of the prophesy, but we hardly realize how near it was to fulfilment before the destruction of Jerusalem. "The Acts of the Apostles" fill us with amazement at the rapid progress of Christianity in Europe and Asia, under the teaching of two of them. What should we not learn if the whole Twelve had found chroniclers to record their labours? Scattered traditions, with more or less of certainty, show at least this, that missionary work was carried on throughout the then known world. There is little doubt that St. established the church in Parthia and on the shores of India; that St. penetrated far into Russia; that preached in Arabia and among the fire worshippers of Persia; and it has been said that even Central Africa, which the present generation burns to win back to Christ, was the scene of St. Matthew's labours eighteen centuries ago. St. Paul's appeal to "the hope of the gospel which was preached to every creature which is under heaven" (Colossians 1:23), though doubtless written with Oriental exaggeration, testifies to a widespread diffusion of the truth. (H. M. Luckock, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the gospel must first be published among all nations. WEB: The Good News must first be preached to all the nations.