Romans: Mission Identity

Romans 10:14-21

Studying Romans provides a thorough overview of theology. The truths in this book are crucial for every believer and deserve our careful consideration. I hope the time so far has strengthened your faith and that you are experiencing spiritual growth as we continue to examine Paul’s letter. 

We have discussed Paul’s teachings on sin, salvation, and sanctification, where he underscores the importance of God's sovereignty. Throughout, the apostle stresses that salvation is entirely based on God's plan. He is the One who foreknew us, chose us, called us, justified us, and will one day usher us into heaven (Rom. 8:29-30). We can rejoice and be thankful that the entire salvation process is in the hands of the eternal God.

And at the same time, “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Rom. 10:13).[1] In our passage today, Paul follows this quotation of Joel 2:32 with four pertinent questions. 

Romans 10:14-15a
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? 

The truth is that everyone who calls on the name of Jesus will be saved. But how can everyone hear the gospel? Paul asks a series of questions, each one based on the verb of the previous question. The main point of these verses is that God relies on people to “preach” the message. 

The word translated as "preach” (Grk: kerysso) means to proclaim or announce. It is not limited to hearing the message at a Bible study or church service. God uses everyone he has brought to himself to be proclaimers of his “news of victory.” The “good news” is shared in diners, coffee shops, during recreation, at playgrounds, workplaces, sporting events, and through daily interactions with friends and family. As the Lord guides us, we faithfully share the gospel. It is a beautiful thing when the message is shared. Quoting Isaiah 52:7, Paul says: 

Romans 10:15b
As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

Granted, people won't always immediately call on the name of the Lord for salvation when they hear about Jesus’ work on the cross. Some will reject the message outright, while others will need time to think and reflect. Many have been taught their entire lives that salvation depends on works, so the offer of grace alone may take time to fully understand. Paul confirms this.

Romans 10:16-17
But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. 

Paul’s Isaiah quote is from 53:1, a chapter about the coming Messiah, known as the Suffering Servant. Even as Isaiah shared the long-awaited news about Jesus, he knew that not everyone would accept the message. Unbelief among the Jews existed in the Old Testament, during Jesus’ time, and in Paul’s day. 

Still, we boldly share and leave the results to God. When someone hears the “word of Christ,” that is, the gospel message, it offers them the opportunity to believe in Jesus's work. Think about it! God graciously gives us the privilege of sharing the good news of Jesus with others. 

Finally, Paul references three Old Testament passages to address concerns about Israel. He starts with a question.

Romans 10:18
But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for “Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.” 

Some may argue that Jewish people have not had enough opportunities to hear the gospel. Paul responds with Psalm 19:4, a verse that shows how general revelation about God is easily known. The heavens are personified as “their voice,” which proclaims God’s glory. Paul previously mentioned the existence of general revelation in Romans 1:18-20. Additionally, in Psalm 19:7-11, the writer discloses God’s special revelation. These examples demonstrate various ways God communicates his message. 

The following verse raises a different question. Someone might say, “Israel heard the message, but it was never clearly explained that God’s salvation would be offered to everyone, even the Gentiles.” Paul cites Moses and Isaiah to prove that God’s offer of salvation to the Gentiles is not a new idea. 

Romans 10:19
But I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says, “I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; with a foolish nation I will make you angry.” 

This passage from Deuteronomy 32:21 is Moses' final message to the Israelites, in which God reveals how they will react when he extends salvation beyond their borders, showing that his grace will be offered throughout the world. 

Paul verifies this through another prophet.

Romans 10:20
Then Isaiah is so bold as to say, “I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.”  

This passage from Isaiah 65:1 states that God revealed himself to the Gentiles, who neither sought nor asked for him—another example of God’s sovereign grace reaching all peoples. 

Romans 10:21
But of Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.” 

God continued to be gracious to Israel despite their rebellion, disobedience, and rejection. He held out his hand to them, never leaving or forsaking them (Isa. 65:2). 

What a demonstration of God’s goodness and grace to all his chosen people!

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD 
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on Romans 10:14-21.  Consider his call for you to share the gospel.

Talking to God: In what everyday places has God put you to be a messenger of the gospel? Think about your relationships, routines, and responsibilities.

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