so that we may preach the gospel in the regions that lie beyond you, and not boast of work already done in another person’s area.

At the time for the banquet he sent his slave to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, because everything is now ready.’

Again he sent other slaves, saying, ‘Tell those who have been invited, “Look! The feast I have prepared for you is ready. My oxen and fattened cattle have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.”’