Romans 10:15

They be sent. Gr. apostello, from which is derived the word apostolos, “apostle.” As the Father sent His Son, so the Son sent His apostles, and they in turn, under the guidance of the Spirit of Christ, sent out others (see Luke 9:2; 10:1, 3; John 4:38; 17:18; Acts 26:17; 1 Cor. 1:17). The proclamation of a divine message must be made by one who has been commissioned by God for that purpose (cf. Jer. 1:7; 7:25; 14:14, 15; 23:21).

As it is written. The quotation is from Isa. 52:7. Paul quotes the passage freely and briefly, omitting “upon the mountains,” as having perhaps only local or poetic significance, changing the singular “him that bringeth” into the plural, and omitting “that publisheth salvation.”

How beautiful are the feet. That is, how welcome is the coming (see on Isa. 52:7).

That preach the gospel of peace. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the omission of this clause.

By using this quotation Paul implies that the commissioned messengers have been sent. For the meaning of the passage in the original context see on Isa. 52:7. This section of Isaiah was regarded by both Jews and Christians as pointing forward to the work of the Messiah. The glad tidings of deliverance from Babylonian captivity symbolize the good news of salvation.

Bring glad tidings. Gr. euaggelizo, from which is derived the word for “gospel,” euaggelion (see on ch. 1:1).