Romans 10:13-14 - Can they call on the One they have not believed in?

for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." 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?

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED." How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?

Romans 10:13-14

Commentary

Paul quoted Joel (2:32) to further emphasize that salvation is available for people of all nations and races. Paul's main point in this series of rhetorical questions is that a clear presentation of the gospel message must precede true saving faith. True faith always has content--the revealed Word of God. Salvation comes to those who hear and believe the facts of the gospel.

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Ro 10:13). Nashville: Word Pub.

"How will they hear without a preacher?" (v. 14). This does not mean we must enter public ministry to "preach" the gospel. The Greek word used here for "preacher" means "one who heralds, proclaims, or publishes." Clearly, every believer is assigned a personal "pulpit"-in the home, the community, at the office, or in school-from which to show and tell others the Good News.

Spirit filled life study Bible. 1997, c1991 (electronic ed.). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.