1 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
3 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.
4 For Christ [is] the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.
6 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]:)
7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)
8 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;
9 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.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12 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.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
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.
Overview of Romans Chapter 10
Romans Chapter 10 is a pivotal section in Paul’s epistle to the Romans, focusing on the themes of faith, righteousness, and the importance of preaching the Gospel. This chapter emphasizes the relationship between faith and salvation, highlighting the necessity of confessing faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.
Key Themes
- Righteousness by Faith: The chapter contrasts the righteousness that comes from the Law with the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ.
- The Importance of Confession: Paul stresses the need for both belief in the heart and confession with the mouth for salvation.
- Universal Offer of Salvation: The message of salvation through Christ is available to all, regardless of background or ethnicity.
- Role of Preaching: The necessity of preaching the Gospel is underscored, as it is through hearing the message that individuals can come to faith.
Detailed Analysis
Verses 1-4: The Desire for Israel’s Salvation
Paul expresses his deep desire for the salvation of Israel, indicating that they have a zeal for God but lack knowledge. He explains that they are attempting to establish their own righteousness through the Law rather than submitting to God’s righteousness through faith in Christ.
Verses 5-13: Righteousness Based on Faith
- Contrast of Righteousness: Paul contrasts the righteousness that is based on the Law (which requires perfect adherence) with the righteousness that is based on faith.
- Confession and Belief: He emphasizes that salvation comes through believing in the heart and confessing with the mouth that Jesus is Lord, citing that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Verses 14-17: The Necessity of Preaching
In these verses, Paul outlines a series of logical steps that lead to salvation. He argues that for people to believe, they must first hear the message of Christ, and for them to hear, someone must preach it. This section highlights the importance of evangelism and the role of preachers in spreading the Gospel.
Verses 18-21: Israel’s Rejection
Paul addresses the question of Israel’s rejection of the Gospel. He quotes from the Old Testament to show that Israel has heard the message but has chosen not to believe. He emphasizes God’s patience and desire for all to come to repentance, indicating that the rejection is not due to a lack of opportunity but rather a hardness of heart.
Theological Implications
- Salvation is Accessible: The chapter reinforces the idea that salvation is not limited to a select group but is available to everyone who believes.
- Faith as Central to Salvation: Paul establishes that faith is the cornerstone of salvation, making it clear that works alone cannot achieve righteousness.
- Call to Action: The emphasis on preaching serves as a call to action for believers to share the Gospel, highlighting the communal responsibility of the Church.
Conclusion
Romans Chapter 10 serves as a powerful reminder of the core tenets of Christian faith: the necessity of belief in Jesus Christ for salvation, the importance of confession, and the universal offer of the Gospel. Paul’s passionate plea for Israel’s salvation reflects the heart of God for all humanity, urging believers to actively participate in the mission of spreading the message of Christ.
