Matthew Henry Commentary Romans 10:12-17

"For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek: for the same [Lord] is Lord of all, and is rich unto all that call upon him: 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 whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach, except they be sent? even as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that bring glad tidings of good things! 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 10:12-17 (ASV)

There is not one God for the Jews who is more kind, and another for the Gentiles who is less kind; the Lord is a Father to all people. The promise is the same to all who call on the name of the Lord Jesus as the Son of God, as God manifest in the flesh. All believers, therefore, call upon the Lord Jesus, and no one else will do so humbly or sincerely.

But how could anyone call on the Lord Jesus, the Divine Saviour, who had not heard of Him? And what is the life of a Christian but a life of prayer? It shows that we feel our dependence on Him, are ready to commit ourselves to Him, and have a believing expectation of all things from Him. It was necessary that the gospel be preached to the Gentiles.

Someone must show them what they are to believe. How welcome the gospel ought to be to those to whom it was preached! The gospel is given not only to be known and believed, but also to be obeyed. It is not a system of mere ideas, but a rule of practice.

The beginning, progress, and strength of faith come by hearing. But it is only hearing the word as the word of God that will strengthen faith.