Romans 10:13-15 “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 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? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Romani 10:13-15 “Infatti chiunque avrà invocato il nome del Signore sarà salvato.14 Ora, come invocheranno colui nel quale non hanno creduto? E come crederanno in colui del quale non hanno sentito parlare? E come potranno sentirne parlare, se non c’è chi lo annunci? 15 E come annunceranno se non sono mandati? Com’è scritto: «Quanto sono belli #i piedi di quelli che annunciano buone notizie!»
In Scripture, someone’s name represented their character. Calling on the name of Jesus meant calling on who Jesus was and what He had done. This is essential for anyone to be saved. The verses preceding this explain the process of salvation that includes confessing with your mouth and believing in your heart. Much could be said about the implications of confessing and believing but Paul now turns from the message to the messenger. Other than the few instances in Scripture where the angels preach (i.e. Revelation 11) the task of spreading the good news of Jesus rests on believers. Paul raises the natural questions that surface on how “everyone” calls on the name of the Lord. Each query builds on the logical progression of the previous question.
First, how do people call on someone they have not believed in and how do they believe if they don’t hear? Second, how do people hear something that was never told to them? Third, how do people believe unless someone tells them? Fourth, how does someone tell them unless a believer informs them? The text uses the word “preaching” which has a meaning much broader than what we do in church. It shows preaching is not just a stationary position but it involves actively moving and looking for opportunities to share the message. To emphasize the point, Paul cites Isaiah 52:7 in which he refers to the Israelites returning to Zion and proclaiming freedom from exile. How fitting that this passage announces an end to the bondage of sin and a return back to God.
Pray with me: Lord, I am challenged once again to realize that I am a preacher of the Gospel. As I live my life, help me to be the preacher proclaiming the good news when You open doors for me.
