I cannot quote Billy Graham directly, but I was listening to him asking his audience if they wanted for Jesus to return right now. I recall the audience proclaiming loudly, yes, they would want Him to return right now. Billy Graham said, "Shame on you!" Or something like that.

However it was said, I got the point.  In the Book of Acts, the first Chapter gives us our commission from Jesus, before He returned to the Father:  " ...and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

Some people believe that salvation is through the death of Jesus ...but feel that is for all, irregardless to whether they believe it or not.   But, why would the apostles have to be witnesses unto Him?  You may say, so they could experience the joy.  Yet, the joy of knowing also was not without the particular treatment that those like Stephen would receive.  Almost all of the apostles, most of who were content fisherman, also met violent deaths ...because of what Jesus asked them to do.  So, why would Jesus tell them to go unto the uttermost parts of the earth to encourage others to suffer violent death? We could get a very clear meaning from Elisabeth Elliot.

Another question: Why would the Bible say that God is long-suffering?  Why does Jesus not return, and end all suffering now?  What is God waiting for?  I certainly don't think God is waiting for more of us to suffer.

So, what is God waiting for?

If He is waiting for more people to be saved ...saved from what?  If they are to be saved from suffering here on earth, Jesus could return at any time and end it.  But, if He is waiting for us to choose, then that would involve long-suffering.