Directly following the Romans' destruction of the Second Temple, the Rabbinical authorities of that period exhibited liberal attitudes which conflicted sharply with the rigidity of contemporary Ultra-Orthodox Judaism. Such a belief promised a restored Golden Age to the Jewish people, an exalted place among the nations. And it also helped to diminish the ever-increasing threat of assimilation in the Diaspora. The Talmud insists upon the obligation of the Jews to spread the word of the Revelation at Sinai among all the nations.
Exile is hence the means by which proselytizing can commence.
Sarah, who instructed the women. It is obvious that Jewishness is not some mystical birthright, but rather an option open to those who, by their own free will, choose to adhere to the doctrine. As this paragraph makes amply clear, converts to Judaism are worthy of the highest praise. And if anyone still doubts, another Talmudic quote should serve as final proof. This may be why much popular Jewish tradition claimed that such outstanding teachers as Rabbi Akiva were really the descendants of converts.