Romans 10

Romans 10 is a continuation of Paul's deep theological discussion on the righteousness that comes from God, contrasting it with the righteousness based on the law which Israel pursued. Paul elaborates on how righteousness based on faith in Christ is available to both Jews and Gentiles. He stresses the importance of confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection as the pathway to salvation. This chapter emphasizes the universality of the gospel and the necessity of proclaiming it to all people.

Romans 10:1 (KJV)
Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.

Paul expresses his deep longing and prayer for the salvation of his fellow Israelites, reflecting his ongoing concern for his people despite their rejection of Christ.

Romans 10:2 (KJV)
For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

He acknowledges that the Israelites are zealous for God, but their zeal is misguided because it is not based on the correct understanding of how God has fulfilled the law through Christ.

Romans 10:3 (KJV)
For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

Paul criticizes the Jews for not recognizing the righteousness that comes from God and attempting to establish their own righteousness through adherence to the law, thereby failing to accept God’s method of righteousness through faith.

Romans 10:4 (KJV)
For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

Here, Paul is not suggesting that the law itself is abolished in all respects; rather, he is indicating that its function as a means to achieve righteousness has ended, being fulfilled and completed in Christ. The context of the passage highlights the contrast between the Jews' pursuit of righteousness through adherence to the law and the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ.

To elaborate, the Jews were seeking to establish their own righteousness based on the law, which is evident from earlier verses in Romans 10. Paul argues that while the law is holy, its primary role in the context of righteousness has reached its culmination in Christ. This means that righteousness before God is no longer based on the observance of the law, but through faith in Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the law's demands.

Thus, "end" in this context is effectively conveying the idea of a destination or goal reached—Christ is the culmination of what the law aimed at concerning achieving righteousness. This interpretation underscores that in Christ, the faithful receive the righteousness that the law pointed towards but could not itself provide apart from Him.

Romans 10:5 (KJV)
For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.

In this verse, Paul is referring back to the Old Testament, specifically Leviticus 18:5, to discuss the nature of the righteousness that comes from adhering to the law. The "life" mentioned here, as promised through the law, refers primarily to physical and temporal blessings, such as prosperity, health, and longevity in the land given to the Israelites, contingent upon their obedience to God's commands.

Paul uses this reference to highlight a fundamental difference between the righteousness that comes from the law and the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ. Under the law, righteousness and its accompanying blessings are based on flawless obedience to a set of commandments—a standard that is impossible to meet perfectly, which underscores the law's role in pointing out human sinfulness.

By contrast, under the New Covenant, righteousness and eternal life are granted through faith in Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law's requirements perfectly on our behalf. This shift from a system based on works to one based on faith is central to Paul's argument, emphasizing that true and eternal life—spiritual and everlasting—is accessible not through human effort but through the grace of God in Christ.

Romans 10:6 (KJV)
But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)

This verse is part of Paul's explanation contrasting the righteousness that comes from the law with the righteousness that comes through faith. In this particular verse, Paul begins to describe how the righteousness of faith communicates or expresses itself.

He quotes from Deuteronomy 30:12, which originally cautioned the Israelites not to wonder about achieving the commandments by questioning who could ascend into heaven to retrieve them. In Deuteronomy 30:11-14, Moses is addressing the potential objections or feelings of the Israelites that the law is too difficult or remote for them to understand and obey. He counters this by stating that the law is not "in heaven" or "beyond the sea" — implying that no extraordinary effort, like ascending to heaven or crossing the sea, is needed to access God’s commandments. Instead, Moses reassures them that the word of God is very near to them, already in their mouths and hearts, making it accessible and feasible to follow.

Paul adapts this to make a theological point about the nature of faith in Christ. Essentially, he's saying that faith-based righteousness does not require someone to perform the impossible task of ascending to heaven to bring Christ down to earth. This part of the verse addresses the belief that Christ has already come down from heaven as the incarnate Son of God, and therefore, no extraordinary, superhuman feat is necessary to make Him present or accessible.

Paul’s use of this quote emphasizes that faith is not about undertaking grand, unattainable tasks. Instead, faith accepts and believes in the reality of Christ's coming and the salvation He has already accomplished. This simplicity and accessibility of faith stand in stark contrast to the complex and ultimately unachievable demands of adhering perfectly to the law.

Romans 10:7 (KJV)
Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)

This verse continues Paul’s argument from Romans 10:6, further explaining the nature of faith-based righteousness. Just as in the previous verse, Paul uses rhetorical questions to illustrate that faith does not require impossible feats. Here, he refers to Deuteronomy 30:13, which originally posed the question about descending "into the deep," or performing an impossible task to grasp the commandments of God.

In the context of Paul's argument in Romans, he adapts this idea to emphasize that no one needs to descend into the abyss (a metaphor for the realm of the dead) to bring Christ back from the dead. He's stating that just as Christ's coming down from heaven is a completed act, so too is His resurrection. These events have already occurred through God's action and do not require any extraordinary human effort to be realized again.

The point Paul makes is that righteousness by faith recognizes and trusts in these completed actions of Christ—His incarnation, ministry, death, and resurrection. This acceptance is in stark contrast to the Law, which required continuous, perfect obedience to achieve righteousness. Instead, faith acknowledges the sufficiency of what Christ has already accomplished for salvation.

Romans 10:8 (KJV)
But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

In this verse, Paul continues his discourse on the accessibility of the righteousness that comes by faith. He quotes Deuteronomy 30:14 to emphasize that the message of salvation through faith in Christ is not distant or difficult to grasp. The phrase "The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart" conveys that this message of faith is very close to each individual—so close that it is on their lips and in their hearts.

This closeness refers to the idea that the gospel of Christ and the salvation it offers do not require extraordinary efforts or achievements. Instead, it is readily available and can be embraced simply through confession (with the mouth) and belief (in the heart). The "word of faith," which Paul and other apostles preach, encapsulates this message of believing in Christ's resurrection and confessing Him as Lord for salvation.

Paul uses this imagery to contrast the immediacy and simplicity of faith-based righteousness with the complex and ultimately unattainable righteousness sought through adherence to the Law. It stresses that the essential truths of the gospel are straightforward and accessible to all who are willing to embrace them.

Romans 10:9 (KJV)
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

This verse is central to Paul's message of salvation and encapsulates the simplicity and core requirements of the Christian faith. It outlines two specific actions required for salvation:

Confess with the mouth the Lord Jesus: This means to verbally acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord, indicating not only a recognition of His authority and divinity but also a personal submission to Him. Confession here is not merely a public statement but a declaration of allegiance and faith in Jesus as the sovereign Lord.

Believe in the heart that God has raised Him from the dead: Belief in the resurrection is fundamental to Christian doctrine. It signifies faith not only in the event itself but also in what it represents—the divine approval of Jesus' sacrificial death, His victory over sin and death, and His power to grant eternal life. Believing in the heart implies a deep-seated, sincere trust in this truth, beyond mere intellectual assent.

Paul concludes that these acts of confession and belief result in salvation. This connection underscores the themes of grace and faith in Paul's theology: salvation is a gift from God, accessible through faith in Christ's work and not through human effort or adherence to the law.

This verse is powerful for its clarity and simplicity, presenting the essence of the gospel in a manner that is easy to understand and accessible to all, echoing the immediacy discussed in verse 8. It emphasizes the personal nature of Christian faith—salvation involves both a public confession and a private belief, encompassing the whole being of a person (both speech and heart).

Romans 10:10 (KJV)
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

This verse further explains that belief in the heart leads to righteousness, and confession of faith with the mouth leads to salvation, emphasizing the internal and external aspects of faith.

Romans 10:11 (KJV)
For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Paul assures that anyone who believes in Christ will not be put to shame, referencing Isaiah to affirm the reliability of trusting in Jesus.

Romans 10:12 (KJV)
For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

He emphasizes the universality of the gospel, stating that there is no distinction between Jew and Greek in the eyes of God, as God offers richness in salvation to everyone who calls on Him.

Romans 10:13 (KJV)
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Echoing Joel, this verse promises salvation to all who call on the Lord, highlighting the simplicity and inclusivity of the gospel.

Romans 10:14 (KJV)
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?

Paul logically argues the need for preaching the gospel, as belief and calling on the Lord are impossible without first hearing about Him.

Romans 10:15 (KJV)
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!

Paul discusses the essential role of messengers in the process of spreading the Gospel. He highlights the necessity of being sent to preach — indicating that the proclamation of the Gospel is not just an individual initiative but a response to a divine calling. This verse emphasizes the structured and intentional dispatch of missionaries or preachers who are tasked with sharing the message of Jesus Christ.

Paul then references a passage from Isaiah 52:7, which celebrates the arrival of those who bring good news. This Old Testament verse originally referred to the messengers who announced the end of the Babylonian captivity, signaling freedom and restoration. Paul applies this imagery to the preachers of the Gospel, suggesting that the news of Jesus Christ's salvation is similarly transformative and joyous.

The phrase "how beautiful are the feet of them" is a poetic way of expressing how welcome and precious the bearers of good news are. It underscores the beauty and value of the mission to bring peace and good news through the Gospel, portraying evangelism as a critical and celebrated function within the Christian faith. This connection between the messenger and the message highlights the profound impact of the Gospel on both the individual and communal levels.

Romans 10:16 (KJV)
But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?

Despite the clear message and availability of the gospel, not everyone has accepted it, as Isaiah lamented the disbelief among those who heard.

Romans 10:17 (KJV)
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Paul explains that faith originates from hearing the message, specifically the word of God. This highlights the critical importance of proclaiming the Gospel, as it is through hearing God’s word that the possibility for faith arises.

The sequence outlined is key: the proclamation of God’s word leads to hearing, and through this hearing, faith can be born if the message is received with openness. This underscores why the sharing of the word of God is vital—without hearing the message, there is no opportunity for faith to develop. This verse reinforces the need for active evangelism and highlights the transformative potential of God’s word when it meets a receptive heart.

Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:15 also underscore the importance of not just the physical act of hearing but the readiness and willingness to truly listen and understand. His phrase, "Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear," serves as a call to attentiveness and spiritual discernment. It suggests that while the word of God is proclaimed to all, the actual development of faith depends on the listener’s openness and spiritual receptivity.

Romans 10:18 (KJV)
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.

Paul asks rhetorically whether the message of the Gospel has been heard, affirming emphatically that it has indeed been spread widely: “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.” This declaration uses the language of Psalm 19:4, where it is written, “Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.” In Psalm 19, this verse is describing how the heavens universally declare the glory of God, a testament to divine revelation through nature that is accessible and observable by all.

Paul adapts this poetic description of natural revelation to the spread of the Gospel, suggesting a parallel in the way the message of Christ permeates the known world. When he speaks of "the ends of the world," within the context of the Roman Empire and its surrounding regions, he is highlighting how extensively the Gospel has been proclaimed within the geographical and cultural limits familiar to his audience. This area, well-known to Paul and his contemporaries, constituted the entire "world" in their perception—spanning from the far reaches of Europe to parts of Asia and North Africa.

By quoting Psalm 19:4, Paul emphasizes the effective and far-reaching dissemination of the Gospel, akin to the clear and universally visible proclamation of God’s glory by the heavens. It’s a potent analogy that serves to remind the readers that just as the natural world silently but powerfully communicates God’s presence, the spoken word of the Gospel has reached across the vast expanses of the civilized areas known to them, leaving no excuse for ignorance among the Jews scattered throughout these regions. Paul uses this scripture to underscore the accountability of all who have heard the Gospel to respond to its call, reflecting both the universality of God’s creative revelation and the specific, intentional spread of the Gospel by the early Christian missionaries.

Romans 10:19 (KJV)
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.

Paul continues to address the response of Israel to the Gospel. He raises the question of whether Israel was aware of God’s plans and the implications of the Gospel. To answer this, Paul cites a prophecy from Moses found in Deuteronomy 32:21, which indicates that God had forewarned Israel that He would use other nations to provoke them to jealousy and anger.

The "them that are no people" and "a foolish nation" refer to the Gentiles, who were considered outsiders and non-people in the context of the Jewish covenantal privileges. Moses’s prophecy was a warning that God would extend His blessings and revelation to the Gentiles, who were previously not recognized as God's chosen people. This extension was meant to stir Israel to reconsider their own faithfulness and provoke a reaction, ideally leading them back to a genuine pursuit of God.

Paul uses this prophecy to demonstrate that Israel’s lack of response to the Gospel was not due to ignorance but rather their disregard for the clear warnings and revelations given through their own Scriptures. The inclusion of the Gentiles in God’s plan of salvation, which seemed surprising or even offensive to some Jews, was actually part of a long-foretold divine strategy. Paul's citation of this prophecy serves to remind his readers that God’s plan has always been inclusive and purposeful, designed to awaken a true understanding of His grace and sovereignty, both among the Jews and the Gentiles.

Romans 10:20 (KJV)
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.

Isaiah boldly states that God revealed Himself to the Gentiles, who did not originally seek Him, highlighting the unexpected recipients of God’s grace.

Romans 10:21 (KJV)
But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.

In contrast, despite God’s continual outreach, Israel has been disobedient and contrary, refusing to accept God’s invitation to salvation.