Matthew Henry Commentary Romans 10:18-21

"But I say, Did they not hear? Yea, verily, Their sound went out into all the earth, And their words unto the ends of the world. But I say, Did Israel not know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy with that which is no nation, With a nation void of understanding will I anger you. And Isaiah is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I became manifest unto them that asked not of me. But as to Israel he saith, All the day long did I spread out my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people." — Romans 10:18-21 (ASV)

Did not the Jews know that the Gentiles were to be called in? They might have known it from Moses and Isaiah. Isaiah speaks plainly of the grace and favor of God, as taking the initiative in receiving the Gentiles. Was not this our own case?

Did not God begin in love, and make himself known to us when we did not seek him? The patience of God towards provoking sinners is wonderful. The time of God's patience is called a day, light as day, and suitable for work and activity; but limited as a day, and there is a night at the end of it.

God's patience makes man's disobedience worse, and renders it more sinful. We may wonder at the mercy of God, that his goodness is not overcome by man's badness; we may wonder at the wickedness of man, that his badness is not overcome by God's goodness. And it is a matter of joy to think that God has sent the message of grace to so many millions, by the widespread reach of his gospel.