Romans 10:18–21
Faith is ignited through the power of spoken words, and the apostle Paul boldly urges us to carry the gospel to every corner of the world, irrespective of people’s backgrounds.
This is our shared duty as Christians. However, in Chapter 10 of Romans, a skeptic raises an objection, challenging this notion:
“But I say, surely they have never heard, have they? On the contrary: ‘THEIR VOICE HAS GONE OUT INTO ALL THE EARTH, AND THEIR WORDS TO THE ENDS OF THE WORLD.’ But I say, surely Israel did not know, did they? First Moses says, ‘I WILL MAKE YOU JEALOUS WITH THOSE WHO ARE NOT A NATION, WITH A FOOLISH NATION, I WILL ANGER YOU.’ And Isaiah is very bold and says, ‘I WAS FOUND BY THOSE WHO DID NOT SEEK ME, I REVEALED MYSELF TO THOSE WHO DID NOT ASK FOR ME.’ But as for Israel, He says, ‘I HAVE SPREAD OUT MY HANDS ALL DAY LONG TO A DISOBEDIENT AND OBSTINATE PEOPLE,’ (Romans 10:18–21).”
The objector suggests that the scarcity of Jewish conversions to Christianity may be due to the fact that few Jews have heard the gospel message; they simply haven’t been exposed to God’s word.
Yet, Paul, who had fervently called for the gospel’s universal dissemination, doesn’t accept this excuse. He refuses to allow the objector to offer justifications for the Jewish people. Paul invokes Psalm 19 to demonstrate that both Jews and Gentiles are without excuse because of the revelation in the natural world.
Moving to verse 19, the objector posits that the Jews might not fully grasp the message. Paul rebuffs this notion by citing Moses, who described the situation as the nation of Israel provoking God through their indifference. This signifies that God now extends His favor to another people, the true nation of Israel.
In truth, Isaiah had already prophesied this. It is the Gentiles who are invited to partake in the covenant privileges. Those who never actively sought the true God are now being sought by Him.
Meanwhile, God stands ready to embrace the earthly Israel, with open arms, despite their disobedience. Paul asserts that there are Jews who are willing to believe. So, don’t make excuses for them. Instead, redouble your efforts to share the gospel message with them. Do not neglect them, and do not be surprised by their unbelief.
In the end, Paul’s message is clear: The responsibility to share the gospel knows no boundaries. It is a calling to be embraced by all, regardless of background or past belief.
For a devotion on Romans 11:1–2 click here.
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