Romans 10:1

Brethren. Paul frequently uses this expression when he wishes to be specially emphatic (see Rom. 7:1; 8:12; 12:1; 1 Cor. 14:20; Gal. 3:15). The subject he discusses in this chapter is the fact asserted in Rom. 9:31-33, that Israel had failed to attain to righteousness because they had been seeking for a righteousness based upon the merits of their own works. But before entering upon the painful task of pointing out the failure and guilt of his own people, Paul renews his assurance of heartfelt concern for their salvation (cf. ch. 9:1-3).

Desire. Gr. eudokia, “good will,” “good pleasure,” “approval.” Compare the use of the word in Matt. 11:26; Eph. 1:5, 9; Phil. 1:15; 2:13; 2 Thess. 1:11. Paul sincerely longed for the salvation of his fellow Jews.

Prayer. Gr. deesis, “petition,” “supplication” (see Eph. 6:18; Phil. 4:6; 1 Tim. 2:1; 5:5), from the word deomai, “to want,” “to beg,” “to pray.” Deesis is distinguished from proseuche, the word for prayer in general (Rom. 1:10), in that deesis describes a request for a particular benefit.

For Israel. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the reading “for them,” that is, those who have been mentioned in ch. 9:31-33. The pronoun indicates the close connection between the two chapters. Chapter 10 is an unbroken continuation of Paul’s argument concerning the rejection of Israel, which was his subject in ch. 9.

Might be saved. It is significant that immediately after his discussion of the Jews’ rejection of Christ, Paul should pray for their salvation. This shows that he did not regard their case as hopeless, despite their sinful conduct. Moreover, if Paul had considered their rejection as the predetermined will of God for their destruction, as some have understood the doctrine of predestination, he would not have prayed that they might yet be saved.

The gospel teaches that “whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (v. 13). The gospel is for all men, including the Jews (chs. 1:16; 3:29, 30; 10:12).