I can imagine Peter saying, “Lord, do you really mean that we shall preach the gospel to every creature?” “Yes, Peter.” “Shall we go back to Jerusalem and preach the gospel to those sinners who murdered you?” “Yes, Peter, go back and tarry there until you are endued with power from on high.
Offer the gospel to them first. Go search out that man who spat in my face; tell him I forgive him; there is nothing in my heart but love for him. Go, search out that man who put the cruel crown of thorns on my brow; tell him I will have a crown ready for him in my kingdom, if he will accept salvation; there shall not be a thorn in it, and he shall wear it forever and ever in the kingdom of heaven.
Find out that man who took the reed from my hand, and smote my head, driving the thorns deeper into my brow. If he will accept salvation as a gift, I will give him a sceptre, and he shall sway it as a king.
Go, seek out that man who struck me with the palm of his hand; find him, and preach the gospel to him; tell him that the blood of Jesus Christ was shed for all men, and even for him, if he accepts it.”
Yes, I can imagine him saying, “Go, seek out that poor soldier who drove the spear into my side; tell him that there is a nearer way to my heart than that. Tell him that I forgive him freely; and tell him that I will make him a soldier of the cross, and my banner over him shall be love.”
I thank God that the gospel is to be preached to every creature. Rich and poor, great and small, king and peasant, alike are welcome.—MOODY