Unreached People Groups

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Anchorite

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Acts 1:8

“…but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”

While some say the 1st century Christians spread the gospel through much of the world known to them, most of the world was not evangelized, and 2,000 years later, much of the world is still unreached.

It is estimated that of the 8.08 billion people alive in the world today, 3.42 billion of them live in unreached people groups with little or no access to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

According to Joshua Project, there are approximately 17,269 unique people groups in the world with 7,188 of them considered unreached (over 42% of the world’s population)! The vast majority (85%) of these least reached groups exist in the 10/40 window and less than 3% of missionary work is done among these people.
 

Debp

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According to Joshua Project, there are approximately 17,269 unique people groups in the world with 7,188 of them considered unreached (over 42% of the world’s population)! The vast majority (85%) of these least reached groups exist in the 10/40 window and less than 3% of missionary work is done among these people.
Christian Aid Mission in Virginia funnels money from the West to native missionaries reaching their own people worldwide. There are underground missionaries in Muslim countries they also help.

Christian Aid doesn't spend money on advertising so you only hear about them from other Christians. I heard about them from a native pastor in Nepal whose brother's ministry was helped by them.

 
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Jay Ross

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“…but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”

I would suggest that that we are to witness the Gospel to the end with respect to time of the earth.

1779756437727.png
If we use the requirement of place, then we have already completed this task, but if the requirement is with respect to time where the end point in time is the final Judgement, then we still have another age to complete before we will be able to complete the task given in Acts 1:18.

Shalom
 

Anchorite

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I would suggest that that we are to witness the Gospel to the end with respect to time of the earth.

View attachment 84652
If we use the requirement of place, then we have already completed this task, but if the requirement is with respect to time where the end point in time is the final Judgement, then we still have another age to complete before we will be able to complete the task given in Acts 1:18.

Shalom
If we use the requirement of place, we have not completed the task.

It is estimated that of the 8.08 billion people alive in the world today, 3.42 billion of them live in unreached people groups with little or no access to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
 

Jay Ross

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If we use the requirement of place, we have not completed the task.

It is estimated that of the 8.08 billion people alive in the world today, 3.42 billion of them live in unreached people groups with little or no access to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
It seems that you have not understood my post. The criteria is time and the end of this time period is the final judgement of all of the peoples of the earth.

If we use place, then many people today believe that we have fulfilled this verse already. If we use the end time of criteria then we still have around 1040 years for this verse to be fulfilled.
 

Anchorite

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It seems that you have not understood my post. The criteria is time and the end of this time period is the final judgement of all of the peoples of the earth.

If we use place, then many people today believe that we have fulfilled this verse already. If we use the end time of criteria then we still have around 1040 years for this verse to be fulfilled.
I have understood your post, but I somewhat doubt the veracity of your translation. I would have to see more proof.

I do not know who these “many people” (you included yourself) are who erroneously think we have already spread the gospel to the entire earth. They are woefully ignorant of the facts.

It is estimated that of the 8.08 billion people alive in the world today, 3.42 billion of them live in unreached people groups with little or no access to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
 

Jay Ross

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I have understood your post, but I somewhat doubt the veracity of your translation. I would have to see more proof.

I do not know who these “many people” (you included yourself) are who erroneously think we have already spread the gospel to the entire earth. They are woefully ignorant of the facts.

It is estimated that of the 8.08 billion people alive in the world today, 3.42 billion of them live in unreached people groups with little or no access to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Sorry, you are placing me in the wrong camp. I do not believe that the saints will be able to fulfil this directive until a further 1,040 or so years have past.

In other words, Acts 1:18 has an end time conclusion and not a reached place criteria.
 

Anchorite

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Sorry, you are placing me in the wrong camp. I do not believe that the saints will be able to fulfil this directive until a further 1,040 or so years have past.

In other words, Acts 1:18 has an end time conclusion and not a reached place criteria.
That is an interesting interpretation.
 

Scott Downey

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That is an interesting interpretation.

6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation and kindred, and tongue and people,

7 saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His Judgment is come. Worship Him that made heaven and earth, and the sea and the fountains of waters.”

Which tells me before the end comes all will hear the everlasting gospel of God. One way or another. This is the way of God. He fulfills His words which He spoke.

They will though the people of the end time, refuse to repent. They know they are doing evil. They have heard and rejected the gospel.

Revelation 9:20
And the rest of the men, who were not killed by these plagues, yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold and silver, and brass and stone and of wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk;

Revelation 9:21
neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.
Revelation 16:9
And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God, who hath power over these plagues; and they repented not to give Him glory.

Revelation 16:11
and they blasphemed the God of Heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.

7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now holdeth back will hold him back, until he is taken out of the way.

8 And then shall that wicked one be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming—

9 even him, whose coming is according to the working of Satan, with all power and signs and lying wonders,

10 and with all the deceit of unrighteousness in those who perish, because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie,

12 that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
 
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MatthewG

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Paul made it to the uttermost according to scripture, he reached everywhere he was suppose too concerning the Gospel?

Short answer: Yes — according to Scripture, Paul fulfilled the mission God assigned to him, reaching the “uttermost” regions of the Gentile world as he was commissioned to do.

Let me break it down clearly and biblically so you can see the shape of the argument.


1. Paul himself says he completed the work God gave him.

In Romans 15:19, Paul makes a bold statement:

“From Jerusalem and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.”
The key phrase is “fully preached” — meaning he completed the assignment in that region.

Then in Romans 15:23, he says:

“But now having no more place in these parts…”
In other words, he had finished the work in the eastern Mediterranean and was ready to move on.


2. Paul understood his mission as reaching the Gentile world — the “uttermost.”

Jesus said the Gospel would go to:

  • Jerusalem
  • Judea
  • Samaria
  • The uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 1:8)
Paul was specifically called to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15; Gal. 2:7–8).

By the end of his ministry, Paul says the Gospel had already gone out into the whole known world:

  • Colossians 1:6 — “the gospel… is come unto you, as it is in all the world”
  • Colossians 1:23 — “the gospel… which was preached to every creature under heaven”
  • Romans 10:18 — “their sound went into all the earth”
These are not exaggerations — they reflect how the ancient world understood the “whole world” (the Roman world).


3. Paul reached the boundaries of the Roman Empire — the biblical “world.”

Paul traveled through:

  • Judea
  • Syria
  • Asia Minor
  • Greece
  • Macedonia
  • Illyricum
  • Rome
And early church tradition strongly suggests he reached Spain (Romans 15:24, 28).

In the first century, the Roman Empire was the “uttermost part of the earth.” That’s the world Jesus said would be reached before the end of that generation (Matthew 24:14, 34).

Paul’s own words show he believed this mission was accomplished.
 

Scott Downey

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Paul made it to the uttermost according to scripture, he reached everywhere he was suppose too concerning the Gospel?

Short answer: Yes — according to Scripture, Paul fulfilled the mission God assigned to him, reaching the “uttermost” regions of the Gentile world as he was commissioned to do.

Let me break it down clearly and biblically so you can see the shape of the argument.


1. Paul himself says he completed the work God gave him.

In Romans 15:19, Paul makes a bold statement:


The key phrase is “fully preached” — meaning he completed the assignment in that region.

Then in Romans 15:23, he says:


In other words, he had finished the work in the eastern Mediterranean and was ready to move on.


2. Paul understood his mission as reaching the Gentile world — the “uttermost.”

Jesus said the Gospel would go to:

  • Jerusalem
  • Judea
  • Samaria
  • The uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 1:8)
Paul was specifically called to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15; Gal. 2:7–8).

By the end of his ministry, Paul says the Gospel had already gone out into the whole known world:

  • Colossians 1:6 — “the gospel… is come unto you, as it is in all the world”
  • Colossians 1:23 — “the gospel… which was preached to every creature under heaven”
  • Romans 10:18 — “their sound went into all the earth”
These are not exaggerations — they reflect how the ancient world understood the “whole world” (the Roman world).


3. Paul reached the boundaries of the Roman Empire — the biblical “world.”

Paul traveled through:

  • Judea
  • Syria
  • Asia Minor
  • Greece
  • Macedonia
  • Illyricum
  • Rome
And early church tradition strongly suggests he reached Spain (Romans 15:24, 28).

In the first century, the Roman Empire was the “uttermost part of the earth.” That’s the world Jesus said would be reached before the end of that generation (Matthew 24:14, 34).

Paul’s own words show he believed this mission was accomplished.
Yet it was not actually the ends of the whole earth was it...
 
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MatthewG

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Hi @Scott Downey, I am just sharing things that are found in the bible buddy. What you make of it is up to you.

Paul believe he made it to everywhere. I don't doubt his ability to have done so.
 

Scott Downey

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Can not say the elect were already gathered by the angels as they are still scattered across the whole face of this earth.
Why do you suppose Jesus emphasized this way, He uses the phrase 'uttermost part of the earth'. This leaves out no part of this earth, it includes it all, not just the known world 2000 years ago.

23 But take ye heed; behold, I have foretold you all things.

24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, ‘the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,

25 and the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.’

26 And then shall they see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.

27 And then shall He send His angels and shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.

Psalm 19
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth His handiwork.

2 Day upon day uttereth speech, and night upon night showeth knowledge.

3 There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard.

4 Their sound has gone forth through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath He set a tabernacle for the sun,

5 which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.

6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it; and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
 

Scott Downey

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Our Citizenship in Heaven​

17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.

20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.


We still eagerly await the return of the Savior, Christ.
And our true abode, our citizenship is in Heaven, as we are not of the world.
We are here just for a short time.

When you are born again, you have a new home, another city, another belonging, another place created for you to live.

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many [a]mansions; if it were not so, [b]I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.”


Hebrews 4

Faithful Abraham​

8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; 10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

11 By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she[d] bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude—innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.

The Heavenly Hope​

13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off [e]were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
 
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MatthewG

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Hello @Scott Downey,


So you disagree with Paul and his statements concerning reaching the whole? That is what the subject is about and my evidence was shown what the bible states concerning it.

Okay then. That is fine with me. Most people do. That is alright.
 

MatthewG

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Our Citizenship in Heaven​

17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.

20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.


We still eagerly await the return of the Savior, Christ.
And our true abode, our citizenship is in Heaven, as we are not of the world.
We are here just for a short time.

When you are born again, you have a new home, another city, another belonging, another place created for you to live.

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many [a]mansions; if it were not so, [b]I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.”


Hebrews 4

Faithful Abraham​

8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; 10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

11 By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she[d] bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude—innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.

The Heavenly Hope​

13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off [e]were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

Hi @Scott Downey, those are all great scriptures, my friend.

I hold onto the same hope — that one day we’re all going to stand before God and be part of His heavenly kingdom. “And so we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

Thank God for the Lord Jesus, and for Him taking care of the sins of the whole world. “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). What a gift.

And I’m so grateful that God raised Jesus up on the third day by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:11). That truth never gets old.

It’s been a while since I’ve read those passages too. Even though I believe Jesus came just like the Scriptures say, I still keep hoping that people will turn toward God, look toward the light, and choose to walk by the Spirit instead of the darkness that tries to pull us into anger, bitterness, or anything that harms others. “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not fulfill the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).

I also believe God can reach people through the beauty of creation itself. Scripture says, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes… are clearly seen” (Romans 1:20). Sometimes the world around us preaches louder than words.

You take care now, brother. May God bless you and keep you.
 

Armour of God

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Jesus said that people can come to God only through him...

What about all the people that never even heard of Jesus?
Will they be damned to hell without even having a chance to know Christ?

Maybe Jesus was only referring to the people he was talking to or to people that hear the word
 

Debp

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Jesus said that people can come to God only through him...

What about all the people that never even heard of Jesus?
Will they be damned to hell without even having a chance to know Christ?

Maybe Jesus was only referring to the people he was talking to or to people that hear the word
This mission is helping native missionaries reach unreached people groups as well as others.
 
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Scott Downey

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Jesus said that people can come to God only through him...

What about all the people that never even heard of Jesus?
Will they be damned to hell without even having a chance to know Christ?

Maybe Jesus was only referring to the people he was talking to or to people that hear the word

God’s Righteous Judgment​

1 Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. 3 And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But in accordance with your hardness and your [a]impenitent heart you are [b]treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: 7 eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; 8 but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, 9 tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the [c]Greek; 10 but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 11 For there is no partiality with God.

12 For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law 13 (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; 14 for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.

All people will be judged by Jesus Christ, that is the way. A man's conscience does not save them, no one successfully excuses their sins to God on the Day of judgement, but they will try. Look at what Adam said to God about Eve.

Genesis 3
9 Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?”

10 So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.”

11 And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?”

12 Then the man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.”