Romans 15:21
“But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.”
King James Version
Paul citing Isaiah 52:15 to justify his pioneer missionary strategy of going where Christ had not been named.
Fulfillment References
Isaiah 52:15 Acts 13:47
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalPaul grounds his Gentile mission in Isaiah 52:15 — 'To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see.' The Servant of Isaiah 53, marred and exalted, would startle nations who had never heard; that Servant is the Lord Jesus, now proclaimed to those without the Scriptures. The one God's salvation reaches the ends of the earth in Christ.
JewishIsaiah 52:15 (opening the fourth Servant Song) — nations and kings astonished at the Servant; read of Israel's vindication before the nations.
CatholicThe proclamation of Christ to those who had not heard, fulfilling Isaiah 52:15; the missionary mandate.
ProtestantPaul's warrant for pioneer evangelism — preaching Christ where He was unknown, fulfilling Isaiah 52:15.
AcademicPaul cites Isaiah 52:15 (LXX) to justify his mission to unevangelized regions, a programmatic use of the Servant Song.
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Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, PhD · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.