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Romans 10:14-21

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

14. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15. And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 16. But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 17. So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 18. But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. 19. But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by [them that are] no people, [and] by a foolish nation I will anger you. 20. But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. 21. But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.

Romans 10:14-21 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Romans 10:14

Theological / Devotional

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.

By SdaBc