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Romans 10:18–19
But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed: “Their sound has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world” (Rom. 10:18).
Paul was a master at short-circuiting arguments and excuses. We have seen this repeatedly in Romans, and today’s verses are another example. As we resume our studies in Romans, the apostle heads off any attempt to put forth the claim that, because the Jews have not heard the gospel, they therefore are not responsible for their rejection of Christ. Paul simply declares that the Jews have heard the gospel. But even more amazing, he asserts that they have understood it.
To make his points, Paul goes back to the Old Testament Scriptures. He first quotes Psalm 19:4—“Their sound has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world”—to show that the gospel is being taken (or will be taken) to every nation. The problem with this verse is that it is speaking not of the gospel but of general revelation, the basic knowledge of God found in nature (Rom. 1:18–20). However, the psalm speaks of both general (vv. 1–6) and special revelation (vv. 7–14), the law of God. Apparently, Paul “understands that the two forms of revelation are complementary, and that what is said of one can generally be said of the other,” Dr. James M. Boice writes. Thus, the message of salvation through faith in Christ is going forth to all peoples, just as general revelation has been manifested to all. And if general revelation leaves all “without excuse” (Rom. 1:20), so does the special revelation of the gospel.
Second, Paul quotes Moses’ words in Deuteronomy 32:21 to show that Israel has even understood the gospel message. This verse speaks of Israel being provoked to jealousy by “those who are not a nation,” a clear reference to gentiles. Paul will say more about God’s intentions in arousing Jewish jealousy in chapter 11. For now, he is asserting that, as Boice writes, “[the Jews] understood very well what was happening. They knew that the message being received by the gentiles was a message of salvation by the grace of God apart from keeping the law and that it was being taught not as a contradiction of Judaism, but as a fulfillment of it. That is what made it so offensive.”
Here is the picture: Messengers have been called and have gone forth to the Jews. The gospel has been preached to them. They have heard it and understood it. But they have not believed it. Why not? Paul will show us in Monday’s verses.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
Have you ever encountered “believers” who know the Scriptures and the facts of the gospel inside and out, but who show no evidence of regeneration? They are like the Jews in this passage, for they have heard and even understood, but have not believed. Beseech God on behalf of such people, that He would soften their hearts to the truth.
For Further Study
- Matthew 22:29
- John 5:39
- Romans 1:18
- 2 Timothy 3:7