Romans Chapter 10 continues Paul’s heartfelt discussion about Israel’s relationship with the Gospel, expressing his deep desire for their salvation. He explains that many Israelites, though zealous for God, failed to understand true righteousness because they sought it through their own efforts rather than submitting to the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ. Paul emphasizes that Christ is the fulfillment of the law, and that righteousness is now available to everyone who believes, whether Jew or Gentile.
The chapter also highlights the simplicity and accessibility of salvation through faith, explaining that confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection leads to salvation. Paul stresses that there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile, since everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. He then addresses the necessity of preaching the Gospel, noting that faith comes through hearing the message of Christ. The chapter concludes with a reflection on Israel’s persistent unbelief, despite having heard the Gospel, showing that their rejection was not due to a lack of opportunity but a lack of faith and understanding.
Chapter 10 (BBE)
1 Brothers, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is, that they may get salvation.
2 For I give witness of them that they have a strong desire for God, but not with knowledge.
3 Because, not having knowledge of God’s righteousness, and desiring to give effect to their righteousness, they have not put themselves under the righteousness of God.
4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who has faith.
5 For Moses says that the man who does the righteousness which is of the law will get life by it.
6 But the righteousness which is of faith says these words, Say not in your heart, Who will go up to heaven? (that is, to make Christ come down:)
7 Or, Who will go down into the deep? (that is, to make Christ come again from the dead:)
8 But what does it say? The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart: that is, the word of faith of which we are the preachers:
9 Because, if you say with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and have faith in your heart that God has made him come back from the dead, you will have salvation:
10 For with the heart man has faith to get righteousness, and with the mouth he says that Jesus is Lord to get salvation.
11 Because it is said in the holy Writings, Whoever has faith in him will not be shamed.
12 And the Jew is not different from the Greek: for there is the same Lord of all, who is good to all who have hope in his name:
13 Because, Whoever will give worship to the name of the Lord will get salvation.
14 But how will they give worship to him in whom they have no faith? and how will they have faith in him of whom they have not had news? and how will they have news without a preacher?
15 And how will there be preachers if they are not sent? As it is said, How beautiful are the feet of those who give the glad news of good things.
16 But they have not all given ear to the good news. For Isaiah says, Lord, who has had faith in our word?
17 So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
18 But I say, Did not the word come to their ears? Yes, certainly: Their sound has gone out into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.
19 But I say, Had Israel no knowledge? First Moses says, You will be moved to envy by that which is not a nation, and by a foolish people I will make you angry.
20 And Isaiah says without fear, Those who were not searching for me made discovery of me; and I was seen by those whose hearts were turned away from me.
21 But about Israel he says; All the day my hands have been stretched out to a people whose hearts were turned away, and who put themselves against my word.
Important Verses
Verse 4 This verse explains that Christ is the fulfillment of the law, bringing righteousness to everyone who believes.
Verse 9 Paul describes the simple requirement for salvation, confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection from the dead.
Verse 10 This verse expands on the previous one, explaining that belief leads to righteousness and confession leads to salvation.
Verse 12 Paul emphasizes that there is no difference between Jew and Gentile, since the same Lord is available to all who call on Him.
Verse 13 “For whoever will make request in the name of the Lord will get salvation.” This verse highlights the universal accessibility of salvation through calling on the Lord.
Verse 17 This verse explains that faith comes through hearing the message of Christ, emphasizing the importance of preaching the Gospel.
Verse 21 Paul concludes with a quote showing God’s patience and outstretched hands toward a disobedient and resistant Israel.
