37 Israel Rejects the Gospel

After having previously shown how Israel greatly needed the Gospel, he would then desire to show that they were continually rejecting it.

In the same way Paul had suggested the Israelites pursued God “without knowledge” they were also rejecting the Gospel without knowledge (understanding).

Despite their professions, they were showing that they simply didn’t truly believe God’s ways.

1 Remedy for Unbelief

Romans 10:14-15

After showing how Israel’s most urgent problem was their unbelief, it would then be necessary to present them with the solution.

Paul had just previously shown that acting upon receipt of the Gospel would be necessary for salvation:

Romans 10:13

Paul had been setting the foundation for his argument, as far back as Romans chapter seven, when then he showed how many attempted to establish their own standard and means of righteousness. That of course, is a problem which still exists to this day. Therefore, it points to mankind’s problem as their continual rejection of the Gospel.

Beginning in verse 14, Paul enforced his position, by asking a series of rhetorical questions, which would all center upon the need to presenting the Gospel to others. While his words certainly addressed the importance of missionary work, it also covers personal evangelism and witnessing.

As he had done throughout the epistle, Paul supported his position, with an Old Testament scripture, that his audience would have been familiar with:

Isaiah 52:7

2 The Process of Faith

After showing the necessity of presenting God’s Word, he then wanted to make a clear presentation of how one comes to faith in Christ:

Romans 10:16-17

Paul began, by referencing the words of Isaiah, again showing that there would be those who would fail to receive the Gospel, which would prevent them from coming to faith.

The word for “hearing” which Paul used in verse 17, speaks of “receiving” – such as to hear something with intentionality, with the understanding of its importance, or the purpose to act upon it.

3 Without Excuse

Paul then made it clear, that his fellow Israelites would be without any excuses, since they had been presented with the Gospel, which they had summarily rejected:

Romans 10:18-21

In verse 18, Paul once again referenced an Old Testament verse, showing how the Lord’s words had indeed gone forth:

Psalm 19:4

Paul was showing, how Israel had been given and taught God’s Word throughout their existence as a people.

In verse 19, he used yet another Old Testament passage, referring to the words of Moses, in Deuteronomy 32:21, to show how God knew in advance that Israel would reject not only His Word, but His promises and covenants as well.

Therefore, He would begin a work in others, thus provoking Israel to jealousy.

He did the same thing in verse 20, as he referred to Isaiah 65:1, which had spoken of those who would heed the words which Israel had ignored.

The passage spoke of those who, though they weren’t “seeking” God, they would receive and believe the Word which would be spoken to them.

Finally, in verse 21, Paul referred to Isaiah 65:2, to show how the Lord “stretched out His hands” to a disobedient and contrary people (Israel).

While this certainly spoke to God’s continuing to both bless His people, and to present His Word to them, it absolutely points to Jesus’ outstretched arms upon the cross, as He paid for the sins of the very people who continued to reject Him.