In their last Q&A with Jesus, the disciples ask, "Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" I used to think that was a dumb question by confused disciples. I was wrong. In his response, Jesus teaches them--and us--what the restoration of Israel's kingdom really looks like.
This is the key to understanding missions and preaching: It is His mission, His message. Christ commissions only His Kingdom of God message to be preached, period. You are not at liberty.
Paul wraps up his “missionary support letter” by seeking support for the church around the known world in both spiritual and physical ways. A lot of names are mentioned--some we know, some we don’t--but God has used them all.
