Romans 10
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1Brothers, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God is for Israel, that they may be saved. 2For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3For being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, they didn’t subject themselves to the righteousness of God. 4For Christ is the fulfillment of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. 5For Moses writes about the righteousness of the law, “The one who does them will live by them.” 6But 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); 7or, ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead.)” 8But 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: 9that 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. 10For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed.” 12For 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. 13For, “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14How 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? 15And 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!” 16But they didn’t all listen to the glad news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” 17So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 18But 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.” 19But I ask, didn’t Israel know? First Moses says, “I will provoke you to jealousy with that which is no nation, with a nation void of understanding I will make you angry.” 20Isaiah 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.” 21But as to Israel he says, “All day long I stretched out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”
World English Bible (public domain)
“For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”
Romans 10:10
Summary
Romans chapter 10 continues the Apostle Paul's discourse on the righteousness that comes from faith as opposed to the law. Paul expresses his deep desire for the salvation of Israel, acknowledging their zeal for God but noting it is not based on solid knowledge. He explains how Christ is the culmination of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. The chapter emphasizes that salvation and righteousness come not through the law but through faith in Christ. Paul highlights the accessibility of this righteousness, stating that it is readily available to anyone who confesses Jesus as Lord and believes in His resurrection. The chapter underscores the universal offer of the gospel, affirming there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord is Lord of all. However, Paul also laments that despite the widespread proclamation of this message, not all have believed or obeyed the gospel. Paul further elaborates on the necessity of proclaiming the gospel so that people have the opportunity to hear and believe. He emphasizes the chain of belief that starts with being sent to preach, leading to hearing, believing, and ultimately calling on the Lord for salvation. The chapter culminates in the assurance that faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Paul concludes by pointing out that Israel has heard but not all have accepted the gospel, stressing the need for continued preaching and faith in God's plan for both Jews and Gentiles.
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Chapter outline
How Romans 10 unfolds
Romans 10:1–4 Desire for Israel's Salvation
Paul expresses his deep longing for Israel's salvation, highlighting their zeal for God but their lack of knowledge about righteousness through faith.
Romans 10:5–10 Righteousness Through Faith
The chapter contrasts righteousness from the law with righteousness by faith, emphasizing belief in Christ's resurrection and confession as the path to salvation.
Romans 10:11–13 Universal Offer of Salvation
Paul asserts that salvation is available to all, Jews and Greeks alike, reinforcing the idea that anyone who calls on the Lord can be saved.
Romans 10:14–17 The Necessity of Preaching
The text explores how faith arises through hearing the word of Christ, establishing the vital role of preaching in spreading the gospel.
Romans 10:18–21 Israel's Response
Despite having heard the gospel, Paul notes that Israel has largely rejected it, indicating a persistent disobedience to God's message.
Key verses
Romans 10:10Romans 10:10 encapsulates the chapter's message by linking belief in the heart with the confession of faith leading to salvation.
Main themes in Romans 10
Righteousness by faith
This theme surfaces prominently in verses 4-10, where Paul contrasts the righteousness of the law with that of faith. The chapter develops this theme by asserting that belief in Christ's resurrection and confession lead to salvation. Within the larger movement, it emphasizes faith as the only means of attaining righteousness, challenging reliance on the law.
Universal gospel
The universal gospel theme appears in verses 12-13, highlighting that salvation is for all who call on the Lord. Paul complicates this theme by addressing the rejection of the gospel by Israel, despite its availability. This underscores the message's inclusiveness, emphasizing that faith transcends ethnic boundaries and is offered to everyone.
Role of preaching
The role of preaching is articulated in verses 14-15, where Paul outlines how faith arises from hearing the gospel. The chapter underscores the importance of sending preachers to disseminate the message of salvation. This theme is central to the mission of the church, linking belief to the proclamation of God's word.
Jewish and Gentile relationship
This theme is evident in verses 12-21, where Paul affirms that there is no distinction between Jews and Gentiles in salvation. The chapter develops this relationship by discussing Israel's rejection of the gospel while extending God's grace to the Gentiles. It highlights the tension and unity within the body of Christ, emphasizing inclusion.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Romans 10
- Isaiah 45Paul echoes the call for all nations to turn to God, reinforcing God's universal reach.
- Galatians 3Paul connects the theme of righteousness by faith, emphasizing belief over the law for salvation.
- Mark 16This passage connects as it also emphasizes the necessity of preaching the gospel for salvation.
- Ephesians 2Paul develops the theme of unity in Christ, illustrating the breaking down of barriers between Jew and Gentile.
- Acts 2The connection lies in the proclamation of the gospel and the promise of salvation for all who believe.
- Colossians 3This passage echoes the theme of unity in Christ, affirming that all believers share in the same faith.
Study questions
Questions for studying Romans 10
- What does Paul express as his heart's desire for Israel?
- How does Paul differentiate between the righteousness of the law and righteousness by faith?
- What is the significance of confessing Jesus as Lord according to this chapter?
- How does the chapter illustrate the necessity of preaching for faith?
- In what ways does Paul indicate that Israel has responded to the gospel message?
Romans 10: frequently asked questions
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