The Gospel Was Always Intended for the Entire World

When Paul preached the gospel in Antioch of Pisidia, Paul cited Isaiah 49:6 to explain that the good news was always intended for the entire world.

For the Lord gave us this command when he said, ‘I have made you a light to the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth.’” Acts 13:47 (NLT)

When God first announced the gospel to Abraham, he told him that one of his “seed” would be a blessing to the entire earth. In his letter to the church in Galatia, Paul explained that this promise was fulfilled in Christ Jesus.

What’s more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would declare the Gentiles to be righteous because of their faith. God proclaimed this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, “All nations will be blessed through you.” Galatians 3:8 (NLT) 

Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not 
say, “And to seeds,” as referring to many, but rather to one, “And to 
your seed,” that is, Christ. Galatians 3:16 (NASB95)

God’s intention was always to reach the entire world through the Jewish Messiah. The church is not a “parenthesis” in God’s plan. The church, composed of both Jews and Gentiles, is the heart of God’s purpose on the earth for all eternity.

to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:21 (NASB95)

God loves the entire world, as evidenced in the famous verse John 3:16.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NASB95)