Paul stated a fundamental premise behind all of his missionary preaching in verse 12: “There is no distinction between Jew and Greek, because the same Lord is Lord of all.” Many of his contemporaries disagreed strongly. But he pointed to their own Scriptures, quoting Joel 2:32 in verse 13, and Isaiah 52:7 in verse 15. God wanted to reach everyone in the world, he said. And how were all those people going to hear about God’s love, about Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, if no one went and preached to them?

• For us, the main divisions are not between Gentiles and Jews (though we should get rid of any lingering anti-Semitic attitudes or practices). But disparities in educational level, income, social prestige and other factors block many people from feeling welcome in the church. And too often, Christians (intentionally or not) adopt an “if you build it, they will come” attitude: “We’re here every weekend—it’s not our fault if they don’t come.” Paul’s challenge resonates: “How can they call on someone they don’t have faith in? And how can they have faith in someone they haven’t heard of? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent?” What role can you play in taking the love of Jesus outside the walls of the church? Will you do it?