Had the Gospel really been preached to the world before AD 70?
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People sometimes mistakenly think the Roman Empire was a nation. No. It was the known world to many, comprised of about 10 different languages and 3 times as many nations:
“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.” – Luke 2:1
***Now … had the gospel been preached to the whole world (oikoumene) before AD 70? (The Greek word in John 3:16 for world is different, by the way, it’s “kosmon.”)
For we know from the Olivet Discourse that the gospel needed to be preached to the world before the “synteleias tou aionos” … consumation of the age (it’s NOT the end of the world, as the King James misinterprets)
The Bible:
“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world.” – Romans 1:8, AD 56-58
“But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for “Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.” – Romans 16:18, AD 60-62
“Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith- 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.” – Romans 16:25-27, AD 60-62
“if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.” – Colossians 1:23, AD 60-62
“Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.” – 1 Timothy 3:16, AD 60-62