What is the meaning of Romans 10:16? But not all of them welcomed the good news – Paul has just described the beautiful feet of those who preach the gospel (Romans 10:14-15), yet he immediately notes that the proclamation is not universally embraced. – The phrase underscores human responsibility: hearing is not the same as receiving (Matthew 13:19; Hebrews 4:2). – Israel’s history shows repeated resistance to God’s gracious offers (Nehemiah 9:26; Acts 13:45-46; John 1:11). – Rejection does not nullify the message; it highlights the need for persistence in evangelism (2 Timothy 4:2). For Isaiah says – Paul anchors his point in Scripture, affirming its authority and timeless relevance (Romans 3:4; 1 Peter 1:24-25). – Quoting the prophets was his consistent method for proving the gospel’s continuity with the Old Testament (Acts 17:2-3; Romans 15:4). – The citation also signals that Israel’s unbelief was foreseen, not a surprise to God (Isaiah 46:10; Romans 11:25-27). Lord, who has believed our message? – Isaiah 53:1 laments that the promised Servant would be largely dismissed; Paul applies that lament to the wider response to Christ. – Even overwhelming evidence—miracles, fulfilled prophecy, the resurrection—did not guarantee faith (John 12:37-38; Acts 28:24). – The question “who” is rhetorical, stressing the remnant principle: a minority believe while the majority remain hardened (Isaiah 10:22; Romans 11:5-8). – Yet the very existence of believers proves the gospel’s power: • A remnant in Isaiah’s day. • Jewish and Gentile converts in Paul’s day. • All who now confess “Jesus is Lord” (Romans 10:9-13). summary Romans 10:16 reminds us that while the gospel is universally proclaimed, it is not universally received. Paul, echoing Isaiah, shows that unbelief was predicted, proving neither a failure in God’s plan nor a flaw in the message. Instead, it calls believers to keep sharing the good news confidently, trusting Scripture’s promise that God will always draw a believing remnant to Himself. |
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