Romans 10:14

How then shall they call? Having stated the universality of salvation by faith, Paul now discusses the conditions that must be fulfilled in order for all to have the opportunity to accept it. He lists these conditions as a series of questions. Each question in the chain is an argument, the conclusion of which is tacitly assumed and forms the basis of the next question. For example, “How can they call on the Lord unless they believe in Him? They cannot; therefore, they must first believe. But how can they believe if they have not heard? They cannot.” And so on.

Some connect vs. 14 and 15 with the preceding passage and relate them to the preaching of the gospel to the Gentiles. If the gospel is intended for everyone, as implied in the “whosoever” of v. 13, then it should be preached to everyone. Others connect vs. 14 and 15 more closely with the remaining verses of the chapter. They argue that Paul is not dealing in this section with the mission to the Gentiles but with the unbelief of the Jews. The Jews, as Paul has already explained, have been “ignorant” of the right way to obtain righteousness. To convince them of their very great guilt in this matter, Paul seeks to show that they have had ample opportunity to know and understand God’s plan. He begins by asking what conditions are necessary for “calling on the Lord,” and then shows that these conditions have been fulfilled. Therefore the Jews are without excuse for their unbelief.

Of whom. To hear the gospel from a preacher sent of Christ is to hear Christ (2 Cor. 5:20). The Lord is heard speaking through His chosen representatives.