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?
Read it in contextIsrael's Need for the Gospel and the Necessity of Preaching
Start reading at Romans 10:1 (Romans 10:1 to Romans 10:21).
The passage begins a new section discussing Israel's spiritual condition and the means of salvation, continuing through the end of the chapter.
10:1Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
10:2For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
10:3For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
10:4For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
10:5For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.
10:6But 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:)
10:7Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)
10:8But 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;
10:9That 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.
10:10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
10:11For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
10:12For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
10:13For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
10:14How 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?
10:15And 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!
10:16But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
10:17So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
10:18But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
10:19But 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.
10:20But 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.
10:21But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.
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Who
Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle wrote Romans, using Tertius as the scribe who put the letter into writing. Biblical references: Romans 1:1; Romans 16:22. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Romans 9:1–11:36): Paul addresses the Roman believers about Israel and the Gentiles, explicitly speaking to Gentiles in 11:13. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The believers in Rome, called saints: a church including Gentile and Jewish believers. Paul specifically addresses Gentiles, speaks to those who know the law, and assumes Christian baptism and life in the Spirit; he is not addressing an undifferentiated modern public. Biblical references: Romans 1:7; Romans 6:3; Romans 7:1; Romans 8:9; Romans 11:13. stated in the text
What
What is the main event or theme? The passage emphasizes the necessity of hearing the word of God through a preacher for people to believe and call upon the Lord for salvation. It highlights the logical sequence of salvation: hearing leads to believing, believing leads to calling, and calling leads to salvation.
What is God revealing? God is revealing that salvation is available to 'whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord' (Romans 10:13), and that this calling requires belief, which in turn requires hearing the message, which necessitates a preacher. This underscores God's plan for the spread of the gospel through human messengers.
What is the literary style? The literary style is an epistle, characterized by logical argumentation, rhetorical questions, and scriptural citations.
When
When was it written? Approximately A.D. 57.
When does the event take place? The events described, such as the preaching of the gospel and people calling upon the Lord, are ongoing processes that take place during the time of the church, following Christ's resurrection. The writing itself occurred during Paul's third missionary journey.
Where
Where did it happen? The passage discusses the spread of the gospel to 'all the earth' and 'the ends of the world' (Romans 10:18), indicating a universal scope rather than a single specific location for the 'event' of hearing and believing.
Where was the author located? The author, Paul, was located in Corinth when he wrote this epistle.
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Israel's Need for the Gospel and the Necessity of Preaching (Romans 10:1 to Romans 10:21).
Start reading at Romans 10:1. The passage begins a new section discussing Israel's spiritual condition and the means of salvation, continuing through the end of the chapter.
How
How does it fit the broader context? This verse is central to Paul's argument in Romans 9-11 concerning Israel's rejection of Christ and God's plan for salvation for both Jews and Gentiles. It explains the practical necessity of gospel proclamation, building on the previous verses that declare salvation is for 'whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord' (Romans 10:13) and leading into the discussion of how faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17). stated in the text
How does it point to Christ? The passage points to Christ as the one 'in whom they have not believed' and 'of whom they have not heard' (Romans 10:14). It is through belief in 'the Lord Jesus' and that 'God hath raised him from the dead' that one is saved (Romans 10:9). Christ is the subject of the message that must be preached for salvation to occur. stated in the text
How do I apply it today? This passage emphasizes the ongoing importance of sharing the gospel message. It reminds believers that people cannot believe in Christ if they have not heard about him, and they cannot hear without someone to preach. This calls believers to support and participate in the proclamation of the word of God. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Romans 10
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the saints at Rome. His promises and exhortations belong to a letter that already speaks of baptism into Christ, newness of life, and the indwelling Spirit; identify the addressed people and retain the stated conditions.
Connection to the wholePaul contrasts ignorant zeal with God's righteousness and connects the preached word with faith, confession, and calling on the Lord.
Connection to the wholeThe sequence of sending, preaching, hearing, and believing establishes the need for witness, while scriptural examples address Israel's response to the message.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Romans
Auto-generated or draft outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the saints at Rome (Romans 1:7). Read this outline alongside his discussion of baptism into Christ and newness of life (Romans 6:3–4).
Connection to the wholePaul introduces his calling and his desire to visit Rome, then announces the gospel as the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.
Connection to the wholePaul describes human sin and God’s judgment, bringing Jews and Gentiles under the charge of sin and establishing humanity’s need.
Connection to the wholePaul explains righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, uses Abraham as an example, and contrasts Adam’s offense with Christ’s obedience.
Connection to the wholePaul rejects continuing in sin, recalls baptism into Christ’s death, discusses sin and the law, and describes walking after the Spirit and the hope of glory.
Connection to the wholePaul considers Israel’s place in God’s purpose, the response of faith, and mercy toward Jews and Gentiles. He warns Gentile believers against boasting and urges them to continue in God’s goodness.
Connection to the wholePaul moves to offering oneself to God, serving others, loving one’s neighbour, and receiving one another while seeking peace and edification.
Connection to the wholePaul explains his ministry and travel plans, commends and greets fellow workers, warns against divisions, and closes with praise to God.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.