What does Romans 10:17 mean?

Romans 10:17 states, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (NKJV). This verse, written by the Apostle Paul, is a profound declaration about the nature of faith and its relationship to the Word of God. To fully understand its meaning, we must delve into the context of the passage, the broader theological implications, and how it applies to our lives today.

Contextual Understanding

The tenth chapter of Romans is part of a larger discourse where Paul addresses the righteousness that comes from faith as opposed to the righteousness that comes from the law. Paul is deeply concerned with the salvation of his fellow Israelites and emphasizes that righteousness and salvation are accessible to all who believe in Jesus Christ, both Jews and Gentiles.

Romans 10:17 is part of a sequence of thoughts starting from Romans 10:14-15, where Paul asks a series of rhetorical questions: "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? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?" (NKJV). These questions highlight the necessity of preaching for people to hear the gospel, believe, and be saved. Paul then culminates this argument with the statement in Romans 10:17.

The Nature of Faith

Faith, as described in the New Testament, is more than mere intellectual assent; it is a trust and reliance on God and His promises. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (NKJV). Faith involves a confident trust in God and His Word, even when we cannot see the full picture.

Paul asserts that this faith comes by hearing. The Greek word for "hearing" (ἀκοή, akoē) can also mean "report" or "message," indicating that faith arises from receiving the message of the gospel. This aligns with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all that He has commanded.

The Role of the Word of God

The phrase "the word of God" is crucial in understanding Romans 10:17. The Greek term used here is "rhema" (ῥῆμα), which often refers to the spoken word or a specific utterance from God. This is distinct from "logos" (λόγος), which can refer to the written Word or the broader concept of God's revelation. In this context, "rhema" emphasizes the proclaimed message of the gospel.

Paul is underscoring the importance of the preached Word in bringing people to faith. The message of Christ must be communicated verbally for it to be heard and received. This is why preaching and evangelism are central to the Christian faith. The Word of God is living and active (Hebrews 4:12), and when it is proclaimed, it has the power to convict, convert, and transform lives.

Theological Implications

Romans 10:17 highlights the sovereignty of God in salvation and the responsibility of believers to share the gospel. God has ordained that faith comes through hearing His Word, and He has entrusted His followers with the task of proclaiming that Word. This creates a beautiful partnership between divine sovereignty and human responsibility.

Moreover, this verse underscores the necessity of Scripture in the life of a believer. The Word of God is not only the means by which we come to faith but also the means by which our faith is sustained and strengthened. As Jesus said in Matthew 4:4, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (NKJV). Regular engagement with Scripture is vital for our spiritual growth and maturity.

Practical Application

Understanding Romans 10:17 should inspire and challenge us in several ways:

1. Commitment to Evangelism: Since faith comes by hearing the Word of God, we must be diligent in sharing the gospel with others. This can be through preaching, personal conversations, or even through media and technology. The Great Commission calls us to make disciples of all nations, and Romans 10:17 reminds us that this begins with proclaiming the Word.

2. Value of Scripture: We should prioritize reading, studying, and meditating on the Bible. The Word of God is the foundation of our faith and the means by which we grow in our relationship with Him. Psalm 119:105 declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (NKJV). Engaging with Scripture illuminates our path and guides us in truth.

3. Dependence on God's Power: While we are called to share the gospel, we must recognize that it is ultimately God who brings people to faith through His Word. This should humble us and lead us to rely on the Holy Spirit in our evangelistic efforts. As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase" (NKJV).

4. Encouragement in Ministry: For those involved in ministry, Romans 10:17 is a reminder that our labor is not in vain. When we faithfully proclaim the Word of God, we can trust that He will use it to accomplish His purposes. Isaiah 55:11 assures us, "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it" (NKJV).

Conclusion

Romans 10:17 is a powerful verse that encapsulates the essence of how faith is birthed and nurtured. By hearing the Word of God, individuals are brought to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. This underscores the critical importance of proclaiming the gospel and engaging with Scripture. As believers, we are called to be faithful messengers of God's Word, trusting that He will use it to draw people to Himself and build His kingdom. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Word of God continues to transform lives and bring people into a vibrant, living faith.