Overview of Romans 10:14–17
This passage is part of Paul’s broader teaching on salvation by faith and emphasizes the essential role of preaching and hearing the gospel in bringing people to faith in Christ.
Verses Breakdown:Verse 14
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”
Paul asks a series of rhetorical questions to highlight the chain of salvation:
People must believe in Jesus to be saved.
To believe, they must hear about Him.
To hear, someone must preach or proclaim the message.
Verse 15
“And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’”
Gospel messengers must be sent—authorized and empowered by God.
Paul quotes Isaiah 52:7, praising those who bring the message of salvation as bringing “good news”—the gospel.
Verse 16
“But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, ‘Lord, who has believed our message?’”
Despite the preaching, not everyone responds with faith. Paul acknowledges this using Isaiah 53:1, showing that rejection of the gospel was foretold.
Verse 17
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”
Faith is born through hearing, and specifically through hearing the message about Christ. The Word of God is the means through which faith is awakened.
Key Themes:
The Necessity of Evangelism – People cannot believe without first hearing the gospel.
The Power of the Word – Faith grows through exposure to the Word of Christ.
God’s Sovereignty and Human Responsibility – Though God sends messengers, each person is responsible for how they respond.
The Beauty of the Gospel Mission – Those who proclaim the gospel carry out a beautiful, life-giving work.
Application:
This passage is a call to share the gospel boldly. It reminds believers that our words can be the bridge to someone’s salvation. It also encourages us to value preaching and teaching and to pray for those who are sent to proclaim Christ. Most importantly, it challenges every believer to be part of God’s mission—so others can hear, believe, and be saved.
