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The Bible’s core themes are Creation (including the creation of mankind), the Fall, Redemption, and Consummation. At the dawn of history, God first presented Redemption as a promise, with its fulfillment to come at “the fullness of time,” τὸ πλήρωμα τοῦ χρόνου in the original Greek.

BibleHub.com describes this time as “when God chose to fulfill His redemptive plan through the incarnation of Jesus Christ.” This concept is rooted in Galatians 4:4, which states, "…when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman…”

Several factors made the appointed time noteworthy when God chose to fulfill His redemptive plan through the incarnation of Jesus Christ:

• The Roman Empire had built a vast network of roads that facilitated travel for those spreading the Gospel.
• Koine Greek had become the common language throughout the empire.
• The first Greek translation of the Old Testament, known as the Septuagint, was produced by 72 translators in the 3rd century BC.
• Furthermore, the Pax Romana provided a relatively safe environment in which early Christian missionaries could travel and preach.

According to BibleHub.com:

“The concept also emphasizes the continuity between the Old and New Testaments. The Law and the Prophets pointed forward to the coming of the Messiah, and in the fullness of time, these prophecies were realized in Jesus Christ…

"In summary, the "fullness of time" is a profound biblical concept that highlights the perfect timing of God's redemptive work through Jesus Christ. It reflects God's sovereignty, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the continuity of His plan of salvation throughout history.”

Christian missions began with the Ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 1:6-8 describes it:

“So, when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Matthew 28:16-20 describes the Great Commission, in which Christ instructs his followers to spread his teachings to all nations. Christian missions have played a crucial role in spreading Christianity from its origins in the Middle East to its status as a global religion, shaping cultures and societies worldwide.

The Apostle Paul was instrumental in early missionary work, traveling extensively throughout the Mediterranean and establishing Christian communities in places such as Asia Minor and Greece. His efforts, along with those of other early Christians, helped Christianity gain a foothold in the Roman Empire, which provided stability and communication networks.

Throughout history, Christian missions have undergone several significant transitions:

1. The Apostolic Age: Early Christians, including Paul and Barnabas, evangelized Gentiles, leading to the establishment of churches in major cities.
2. The Middle Ages: The spread of Christianity continued through the Crusades and the efforts of monastic missionaries, who traveled to convert people groups across Europe and beyond.
3. Colonial Era: During the age of exploration, European powers established missions in the Americas, Africa, and Asia, often intertwined with colonial expansion. This period also saw systematic missionary activity by major Catholic orders, including the Franciscans, Dominicans, and Jesuits.
4. Modern Missions: In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Protestant missionary activity surged, leading to the establishment of numerous mission societies and a focus on education and healthcare alongside evangelism. However, as former colonies gained independence, many nations restricted missionary activities, prompting a shift toward non-proselytizing services.

For a more in-depth exploration of this topic, consider reading Stephen Neill's A History of Christian Missions, which offers a comprehensive survey of missionary activity across the centuries.

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In contrast to Christianity, Islam’s plan has been world conquest. On page 78 of his book Islamic Imperialism: A History, Efraim Karsh provides context for a Hadith in which Muhammad declared:

“I was ordered to fight all men until they say ‘There is no god but Allah.’” With these farewell words the Prophet Muhammad summed up the international vision of the faith he had brought to the world. As a universal religion, Islam envisages a global political order in which all humankind will live under Muslim rule as either believers or subject communities. In order to achieve this goal it is incumbent on all free, male, adult Muslims to carry out an uncompromising struggle “in the path of Allah,” or jihad. This in turn makes those parts of the world that have not yet been conquered by the House of Islam an abode of permanent conflict (Dar al-Harb, the House of War) which will only end with Islam’s eventual triumph. In the meantime, there can be no peace between these two world systems, only the temporary suspensions of hostilities for reasons of necessity or expediency.”