In Acts 28:28, after some of the Jewish leaders rejected Paul’s message, he boldly declared,

“Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and

they will listen!” This moment marked a powerful shift in the early church’s understanding of

God’s salvation: it wasn’t just for the Jewish people, but for the entire world.

This is a reminder that the gospel is inclusive—it’s offered for every person, regardless of

background, nationality, or social status. Paul’s declaration that “they will listen” speaks to the

openness of those who might be far from God, yet whose hearts are ready to receive the

message of salvation.

For us, this has two important applications.

1. God’s Grace Is Available to Everyone

The gospel is a message of hope for all people. There is no one who is beyond the reach of

God’s grace. Sometimes we can fall into the trap of thinking that certain people are too far gone,

too hardened, or too different from us to receive the gospel. But God’s love and salvation extend

to every corner of the earth and every kind of person. 

Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10), and “lost” includes anyone who doesn’t yet

know Him—whether they’re a close family member, a stranger from a different culture, or

someone who seems hostile toward the gospel. God’s arms are open wide, inviting all to come

to Him.

2. We Are Called to Share the Gospel with All People

Just as Paul faithfully shared the gospel with both Jews and Gentiles, we are called to share

God’s message of salvation with everyone, without favoritism or prejudice. Sometimes we might

be tempted to stick to our comfort zones, sharing the good news only with people who are like

us or with whom we feel comfortable. But the gospel crosses all boundaries.

It can be easy to underestimate how God might use us to reach someone who is different from

us—someone from another culture, or someone with different beliefs or experiences. Yet God

often works in unexpected ways, opening hearts that we might never expect to be open. He

simply calls us to be faithful in sharing His message, trusting that He is at work in ways we

cannot see.

The gospel is for all people. This means that everyone we meet is a potential recipient of God’s

grace, and we have the privilege of being His messengers. Let’s be bold in sharing the good

news with anyone and everyone, trusting that God will soften hearts and draw people to

Himself, just as He has done with us. 

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com,

FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)