Romans Chapter 10: Righteousness by Faith for All
Share
Summary
Romans 10 focuses on Israel’s failure to attain righteousness through the law and the universal offer of salvation through faith in Christ. Paul emphasizes the accessibility of the gospel and the necessity of preaching it. The chapter unfolds in several key sections:
Paul’s Heart for Israel (10:1–4): Paul expresses his deep desire for Israel’s salvation, noting their zeal for God lacks knowledge. They sought righteousness by works, not faith, unaware that Christ is the culmination of the law for all who believe.
Righteousness by Faith (10:5–13): Paul contrasts law-based righteousness (Leviticus 18:5) with faith-based righteousness, which is near and accessible (Deuteronomy 30:12–14). Confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection brings salvation for all—Jew and Gentile—without distinction.
The Necessity of Preaching (10:14–17): Salvation requires hearing the gospel, which depends on preachers being sent. Faith comes from hearing Christ’s word, but not all obey, as shown by Israel’s rejection.
Israel’s Rejection Foretold (10:18–21): Paul cites Scriptures (Psalm 19:4, Deuteronomy 32:21, Isaiah 65:1–2) to show the gospel reached Israel, yet they rejected it, while Gentiles responded. God’s outstretched hands remain open to Israel despite their disobedience.
Cross-References
Israel’s Zeal and Ignorance:
-
Romans 9:30–32: Israel pursued law, not faith.
-
Acts 22:3: Paul’s former zeal for the law.
-
Philippians 3:6–9: Zeal without righteousness.
-
Hosea 4:6: Perishing for lack of knowledge.
Righteousness by Faith:
-
Deuteronomy 30:12–14: The word is near.
-
Joel 2:32: Whoever calls on the Lord is saved.
-
Acts 16:31: Believe in Jesus for salvation.
-
Ephesians 2:8–9: Saved by grace through faith.
Necessity of Preaching:
-
Isaiah 52:7: Beautiful feet of gospel preachers.
-
1 Corinthians 1:21: Salvation through preaching.
-
Matthew 28:19–20: Go and make disciples.
-
Acts 1:8: Witnesses to the ends of the earth.
Israel’s Rejection:
-
Psalm 19:4: God’s word to all the earth.
-
Deuteronomy 32:21: Jealousy through Gentiles.
-
Isaiah 65:1–2: God found by those not seeking.
-
John 12:38–40: Israel’s hardened hearts.
General Theme:
-
Acts 4:12: Salvation in no other name.
-
Galatians 3:11–14: Justified by faith.
-
2 Corinthians 5:20–21: Ambassadors for Christ.
Theological Meaning
Romans 10 is rich with theological themes that highlight the gospel’s accessibility and God’s inclusive plan:
Salvation by Faith: Righteousness comes through faith in Christ, not law-keeping, making salvation available to all (10:4, 9; Romans 3:28; Galatians 2:16).
Christ as Law’s End: Christ fulfills the law’s purpose, providing righteousness for believers, ending its role as a means to justification (10:4; Matthew 5:17; Hebrews 10:9–10).
Universal Offer: Salvation is for “everyone who believes,” with no distinction between Jew and Gentile, reflecting God’s impartiality (10:12–13; Acts 10:34–35; Colossians 3:11).
Gospel’s Accessibility: The message of faith is simple and near, requiring only confession and belief, rooted in God’s Word (10:8; Deuteronomy 30:14; John 6:63).
Mission’s Urgency: Salvation depends on preaching, underscoring the church’s role in proclaiming Christ (10:14–15; Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 9:16).
God’s Sovereignty and Mercy: Israel’s rejection fulfills prophecy, yet God’s persistent offer of grace shows His patience (10:21; 2 Peter 3:9; Romans 11:25–26).
Questions and Answers
Why was Israel zealous but not saved (10:1–2)?
Their zeal lacked knowledge of God’s righteousness through faith, relying instead on law-keeping (10:2–3; Romans 9:31–32; Acts 13:39).
Their zeal lacked knowledge of God’s righteousness through faith, relying instead on law-keeping (10:2–3; Romans 9:31–32; Acts 13:39).
What does “Christ is the end of the law” mean (10:4)?
Christ fulfills the law’s demands and purpose, providing righteousness by faith for all believers (10:4; Galatians 3:24–25; Hebrews 7:18–19).
Christ fulfills the law’s demands and purpose, providing righteousness by faith for all believers (10:4; Galatians 3:24–25; Hebrews 7:18–19).
How is righteousness by faith “near” (10:6–8)?
Unlike law-keeping’s demands, faith requires only believing and confessing Christ, a message accessible through God’s Word (10:8; Deuteronomy 30:12–14; John 20:31).
Unlike law-keeping’s demands, faith requires only believing and confessing Christ, a message accessible through God’s Word (10:8; Deuteronomy 30:12–14; John 20:31).
What is required for salvation (10:9–10)?
Confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection, with heart and mouth, results in justification and salvation (10:9–10; Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 12:3).
Confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection, with heart and mouth, results in justification and salvation (10:9–10; Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 12:3).
Why no distinction between Jew and Gentile (10:12)?
God’s grace offers salvation to all who call on Him, as Christ’s lordship unites all believers (10:12; Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 2:14).
God’s grace offers salvation to all who call on Him, as Christ’s lordship unites all believers (10:12; Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 2:14).
Why is preaching necessary (10:14–15)?
Faith requires hearing the gospel, which depends on sent preachers, fulfilling God’s plan to spread His word (10:14–15; Isaiah 52:7; Matthew 24:14).
Faith requires hearing the gospel, which depends on sent preachers, fulfilling God’s plan to spread His word (10:14–15; Isaiah 52:7; Matthew 24:14).
Did Israel hear the gospel (10:18)?
Yes, as Psalm 19:4 shows, God’s message reached them, but they rejected it, unlike responsive Gentiles (10:18–20; Acts 28:26–28; Romans 11:11).
Yes, as Psalm 19:4 shows, God’s message reached them, but they rejected it, unlike responsive Gentiles (10:18–20; Acts 28:26–28; Romans 11:11).
Why does God still reach out to Israel (10:21)?
God’s persistent mercy, despite Israel’s disobedience, reflects His faithfulness and desire for their repentance (10:21; Isaiah 65:2; Romans 11:29).
God’s persistent mercy, despite Israel’s disobedience, reflects His faithfulness and desire for their repentance (10:21; Isaiah 65:2; Romans 11:29).
Additional Notes for Readers
Historical Context: Written around AD 57 from Corinth, Romans 10 addresses a Roman church of Jewish and Gentile believers navigating their roles in salvation (Romans 11:13; Acts 18:2). Israel’s rejection of Jesus was evident (Acts 13:46), prompting Paul’s anguish (10:1; Romans 9:1–3). The law’s demands (10:5) were central to Jewish identity (Leviticus 18:5), but Christ’s fulfillment shifted focus to faith (Galatians 3:12). Gentiles’ inclusion (10:20) fulfilled prophecy (Isaiah 65:1), stirring Jewish-Gentile tensions (Acts 15:1–5). Paul’s missionary call (10:15) reflects his work (Acts 9:15).
Cultural Questions: Readers may ask about Israel’s “zeal” (10:2). It reflects devotion to Torah, like Paul’s pre-conversion life (Philippians 3:6). “End of the law” (10:4) doesn’t abolish it but completes its purpose (Matthew 5:17). Confessing “Jesus is Lord” (10:9) challenged Roman loyalty to Caesar (Acts 17:7). “Beautiful feet” (10:15) draws from Isaiah’s imagery of messengers (Isaiah 52:7). Israel’s rejection (10:21) echoes Old Testament rebellion (Isaiah 65:2), yet God’s mercy persists (Romans 11:1). The gospel’s spread (10:18) used Roman roads and synagogues (Acts 13:4–5).
Application: Romans 10 urges believers to trust Christ alone for righteousness, share the gospel boldly, and pray for others’ salvation, like Paul did for Israel. It calls for faith in God’s inclusive mercy and participation in His mission (Matthew 5:16; 1 Timothy 2:1–4).