Faith, Hearing, and God’s Universal Message: Exploring Romans 10:17-21
Let’s explore Romans 10:17-21 and provide parallel references to understand the context and meaning of these verses.
**Romans 10:17** – “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of hearing and understanding the word of God to have faith. It’s a fundamental aspect of belief. You can find a parallel reference in:
**Hebrews 11:6** – “But without faith, it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Faith is crucial in our relationship with God, and it begins with hearing and understanding His word.
**Romans 10:18** – “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.”
In this verse, the Apostle Paul acknowledges that the message of Christ has been proclaimed to the ends of the earth. This aligns with the Great Commission:
**Matthew 28:19-20** – “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”
The disciples were commissioned to spread the gospel throughout the world, ensuring that all nations have the opportunity to hear the message of Christ. According to Paul this was fulfilled.
**Romans 10:19** – “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.”
Paul references Moses, who foresaw that Israel would be provoked to jealousy by a people who were not God’s chosen. This idea is rooted in:
**Deuteronomy 32:21** – “They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.”
**1 Peter 2:10 KJV** – “which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.”
The Lord’s plan has always included extending His salvation to those outside the covenant, causing Israel to reconsider their faith.
**Romans 10:20** – “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.”
Isaiah’s bold prophecy in this verse speaks of God revealing Himself to those who were not actively seeking Him. This concept is echoed in:
**Isaiah 65:1** – “I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name.”
God’s grace extends beyond those who diligently seek Him, reaching even those who weren’t initially looking for Him.
**Romans 10:21** – “But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.”
In this verse, God’s continual outreach to Israel, despite their disobedience, is highlighted. A similar sentiment can be found in:
**Isaiah 65:2** – “I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts.”
God’s patience and desire for His people to turn back to Him are evident in His outstretched hands, even in the face of disobedience.
These parallel references help us understand the context of Romans 10:17-21, emphasizing the universality of God’s message, the role of faith, and His unwavering desire for all people to come to Him, whether they were initially seeking Him or not.