It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. Romans 15:20
As Paul concludes explaining his call from God as an apostle in their life, he makes an interesting statement. His goal in life was to express Christ in areas where they’ve never even heard of Jesus. I find it interesting because he calls it “another man’s foundation.”
Now, he’s not speaking of simple preaching to non-believers. He meant regions and people groups that had never heard at all. As anyone who has experience in this will tell you, it is extremely difficult to explain the gospel to nations who have no knowledge of Christianity. There seems to be no frame of reference.
This makes Paul’s success especially impressive. Christianity was a little more than a blip on the radar for Palestine, but for the rest of the world, they barely had a concept of monotheism, much less the person and importance of Christ. When entering a new city, Paul would first attend the local synagogue and makes sure they heard of Jesus; then he turned the city upside down with his preaching to the Gentiles. Had every person in the city heard of Christ? Probably not. There was no way for Paul to really tell.
So, using this example, we see that a foundation is laid in a community or city or people group when Christ is preached at all. From the Great Commission in Luke and Matthew, Jesus specifically mentions preaching repentance and making disciples of all nations (in Mark, He says “every creature”!). We can safely assume that when Paul was sent to the Gentiles, the words of Christ had been related to him through the early Church. He simply attempted to follow the commandment of Christ by reaching every people group.
Please do not interpret this to mean that this is a limit to all evangelism. The gift is similar but works in various ways due to call and situation. We must be sensitive to His unique call on all evangelists.
There are, however, still several unreached people groups around the world. Supporting and encouraging missionaries to these groups is a valid ministry. Of course more will be converted to Christ as the testimony of believers infects areas already reached, but we are amazingly close to fulfilling this aspect of the Great Commission. Several ministries and organizations make this central to their existence.
If it is on your heart to be like Paul, then this was a major thrust of his life. Go. Give. Be involved. You will share in the reward.
Peace.