The original version:
Fourthly. It becomes us to watch all opportunities of doing good. A missionary would be highly culpable if he contended himself with preaching two or three times a week to those persons whom he might be able to get together into a place of worship. To carry on conversations with the natives almost every hour in the day, to go from village to village, from market to market, from one assembly to another, to talk to servants, labourers, etc., as often as opportunity offers, and to be instant in season and out of season — this is the life to which we are called in this country.
We are apt to relax in these active exertions, especially in a warm climate; but we shall do well always to fix it in our minds, that life is short, that all around us are perishing, and that we incur a dreadful woe if we proclaim not the glad tidings of salvation.
Modern English version:
Fourthly, we should always look for opportunities to do good. A missionary would be seriously at fault if he or she were satisfied with just preaching a few times a week to those who come to worship.
Instead, they should engage in conversations with the local people almost every hour of the day, moving from village to village, market to market, and gathering with different groups. Talking to servants and labourers whenever the chance arises, and being ready to share the message both when it’s convenient and when it’s not — this is the life we are called to in this country.
It’s easy to become complacent in our efforts, especially in a warm climate. However, we must remind ourselves that life is short, that many around us are in need, and that we bear a heavy responsibility if we do not share the joyful message of salvation.
Paul’s vision:
Romans 15:17-20 Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done – by the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. 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.
The final verses of Acts:
Acts 28:30-31: For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ — with all boldness and without hindrance!
