Charles Spurgeon Commentary Romans 10:16-17

"But they did not all hearken to the glad tidings. For Isaiah saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So belief [cometh] of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." — Romans 10:16-17 (ASV)

But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

It does not ever come by seeing. Faith does not come by looking upon ceremonies – by gazing upon processions and pompous rituals. It comes by the simple hearing of the Word. It is a matter of the understanding, and the work of the Holy Ghost upon that understanding. Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.