So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.
Commentaries
10:1 - 10:21
Universal Salvation.
Paul explains that the rejection of the Gospel by most of his people is only temporary. He then begins a new series of arguments, expressing his desire and praying for their conversion. The argument is presented in a tone of controversy and debate, using biblical quotations in the style of his rabbi predecessors, but interpreted through the eyes of faith. The religious zeal of the Jews for God and the law was admirable, but also excessive and misguided. Observing the law demanded a superhuman effort to attract the Messiah. Paul himself was familiar with this “zeal” when he was still called Saul (Gal 1:13). This kind of fanaticism later came to be called a political-religious movement and party of fundamentalists—the “Zealots.” But that was not the way. The Apostle shows the correct path with an expression that has become the foundational proclamation of Christian faith: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (9).
Commentaries
Universal Salvation.
Paul explains that the rejection of the Gospel by most of his people is only temporary. He then begins a new series of arguments, expressing his desire and praying for their conversion. The argument is presented in a tone of controversy and debate, using biblical quotations in the style of his rabbi predecessors, but interpreted through the eyes of faith. The religious zeal of the Jews for God and the law was admirable, but also excessive and misguided. Observing the law demanded a superhuman effort to attract the Messiah. Paul himself was familiar with this “zeal” when he was still called Saul (Gal 1:13). This kind of fanaticism later came to be called a political-religious movement and party of fundamentalists—the “Zealots.” But that was not the way. The Apostle shows the correct path with an expression that has become the foundational proclamation of Christian faith: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (9).