Romans 10
Romans 10 is a passage in which the apostle Paul reveals a deep concern for the people of Israel and explains the path of faith that leads to the gospel. He points out that although the Jews have zeal for God, they lack the right knowledge, and he describes the way to righteousness not through works of the law, but through faith alone.
1verseBrothers, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God is for Israel, that they may be saved.
2verseFor I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.
3verseFor being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, they didn’t subject themselves to the righteousness of God.
4verseFor Christ is the fulfillment of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
5verseFor Moses writes about the righteousness of the law, “The one who does them will live by them.”
6verseBut the righteousness which is of faith says this, “Don’t say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ (that is, to bring Christ down);
7verseor, ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead.)”
8verseBut what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart;” that is, the word of faith which we preach:
9versethat if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
10verseFor with the heart one believes resulting in righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made resulting in salvation.
11verseFor the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed.”
12verseFor there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich to all who call on him.
13verseFor, “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
14verseHow then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in him whom they have not heard? How will they hear without a preacher?
15verseAnd how will they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Good News of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!”
16verseBut they didn’t all listen to the glad news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?”
17verseSo faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
18verseBut I say, didn’t they hear? Yes, most certainly, “Their sound went out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.”
19verseBut I ask, didn’t Israel know? First Moses says, “I will provoke you to jealousy with that which is no nation. I will make you angry with a nation void of understanding.”
20verseIsaiah is very bold and says, “I was found by those who didn’t seek me. I was revealed to those who didn’t ask for me.”
21verseBut about Israel he says, “All day long I stretched out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”
Verses 1-4: Paul’s Plea for Israel
Paul earnestly desires the salvation of the people of Israel. He says that while they are zealous for God, they cannot escape the mistaken attitude of trying to establish their own righteousness through the law. Paul proclaims that Christ is the culmination of the law, emphasizing that righteousness is granted to all who believe.
Verses 5-13: The Path to Salvation by Faith
Paul explains the difference between the righteousness given through the law of Moses and that given through Jesus Christ. Righteousness from the law requires works, but righteousness from faith leads to righteousness for anyone who believes in the heart, and it highlights that salvation is received when it is confessed with the mouth. He says that this salvation is given equally to everyone who believes in the Lord, with no distinction between Jews and Gentiles, or between Greeks and others.
Verses 14-17: The Importance of Proclaiming the Gospel
Paul emphasizes that the gospel of salvation must be delivered to everyone. Those who have not heard the gospel cannot believe, and since there is no hearing without someone who proclaims the gospel, he warmly describes the importance of evangelism and the mission behind it. He concludes by saying that faith comes from hearing, and hearing comes from the word of Christ.
Verses 18-21: Israel’s Disobedience and the Gospel Spreading
Finally, Paul points out Israel’s disobedience despite having heard the gospel, and he explains that salvation is expanding even to the Gentiles. He once again emphasizes the fact that, as foretold, God reaches out with the hand of salvation to everyone.
Meditation Points
- Take time to think again about the essence of salvation gained through faith.
- Remember that the gospel must be delivered to all, and reflect on that mission.
- You can also imprint in your heart that God’s plan of salvation is aimed not at a particular group, but at all people.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Check whether you personally are living a life that both hears the gospel and obeys it.
- Let’s ask God for courage and wisdom to share the gospel with the people around us.
- Look back on your life to see whether you are establishing the right balance between zeal and faithful belief before God.
