Romans 10:1-4 “Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. 2 For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. 3 Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. 4 Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.”
Romani 10:1-4 «Fratelli, il desiderio del mio cuore e la mia preghiera a Dio per loro è che siano salvati. 2 Io rendo loro testimonianza infatti che hanno zelo per Dio, ma zelo senza conoscenza. 3 Perché, ignorando la giustizia di Dio e cercando di stabilire la propria {giustizia}, non si sono sottomessi alla giustizia di Dio; 4 poiché Cristo è il termine della legge, per la giustificazione di tutti coloro che credono.”
In the preceding chapter, Paul explains that Israel had stumbled in their pursuit of God. As he ponders their fate, he shares his deep burden for his people to be saved. He continues this thought and the reason for their stumbling is made clear. Since Paul had first-hand knowledge of strict Judaism and having been raised on the teaching of Gamaliel (Acts 22:3), he could accurately see what caused their stumbling.
The truth in his answer resonates to us just as it did when it was written. Paul says that their zeal was “not based on knowledge” (literally “according to”). The word “knowledge” implies an understanding based on discernment. A full understanding of the Scriptures would have shown the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. But as a result of their ignorance, Israel spent their energy trying to establish their own righteousness based on the knowledge of rules and regulations about God. Anytime we seek to establish righteousness with God based on our deeds and merits, we will follow the same path. The only way to understand our righteousness in God is to submit to His plan for righteousness.
As a concluding exclamation point, Paul boldly declares that Christ is the end of the Law. In other words, Christ completed the goal and purpose of the Law. Israel stumbled because they could not see or understand Christ as “the end of the law”.
Pray with me: Lord, as I desire to be zealous for You, help me to remember that Your righteousness in me is not created by what I do but knowing and submitting to You.
