1st June, 2025
In this section of Romans, the apostle Paul contrasts the faith of the Gentiles with the unbelief of Israel. He explains that although the Gentiles were not originally pursuing righteousness, they attained it through faith. In contrast, Israel, though pursuing a law of righteousness, did not attain it because they sought it through works rather than faith. Paul expresses deep sorrow for Israel, emphasizing his desire for their salvation.
He highlights that Christ is the fulfillment of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. Paul explains that salvation comes through confessing with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believing in your heart that God raised Him from the dead. This message is open to all—Jew and Gentile alike—because “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Paul then raises a series of rhetorical questions: How can people call on Jesus if they haven’t believed in Him? And how can they believe if they haven’t heard? This underscores the importance of preaching. However, Paul laments that not all have responded to the gospel, quoting Scripture to show that this rejection was foretold, and that God continues to hold out His hands to a disobedient and obstinate people.