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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadWilliam Burkitt Notes and Observations - Romans 10:18 - 10:18
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It was no less than a miracle that the gospel, in the space of a few years, should be preached to all nations, and planted in the remotest parts of the world; and yet thus it was; which makes St. Paul here apply that to the preaching of the apostles, which David applies to the preaching of the heavens, Psa_19:4.
The gospel of Christ, like the sun in the firmament, casts its beautiful and glorious beams all the world over. For upon the commission given out by Christ to his apostles, to go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature, the apostles divided themselves into the several quarters of the world, for the speedy performance of this service, namely, the carrying of the gospel, as the sun doth his light, unto all the nations of the earth. As if St. Paul had here said, "Like as the voice of the heavens are gone through the world, so is the voice of Christ and the light of his gospel, which doth much more declare the glory of God than the sun and the moon in the heavens can do."
Some observe, that there was hardly any one considerable nation in the world, but within forty years after Christ's ascension had the glad tidings of the gospel preached to it.
Hence the apostle tells us, That the grace of God which bringeth salvation, hath appeared unto all men: Tit_2:11; that is, the gospel, without restriction was tendered to all nations, Jew and Gentile; to all persons, bond and free, honourable and ignoble.
Behold the goodness and mercy of God in enlightening the dark corners of the world with this glorious light from heaven!
Behold the great power and efficacy of the word, under the quickening influences of the Holy Spirit!
Behold an example of laborious diligence and industry in ministerial service!
what pains did the apostles take!
what hazards did they run!
what journeys did they undertake, to preach Jesus Christ, to plant and propagate the everlasting gospel!
Shall not we attend our flock, and travel from house to house to visit our charge, which falls within the compass of a few miles, when the apostles compassed sea and land, travelled far and near, laboured night and day, to transmit the gospel to the ends of the world?
Lord! how does their indefatigable diligence shame our supine negligence!