Romans 10:11-21

For the Scripture says, “WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM [whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED [in his expectations].” [Is 28:16] For there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile; for the same Lord is Lord over all [of us], and [He is] abounding in riches (blessings) for all who call on Him [in faith and prayer]. For “WHOEVER CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD [in prayer] WILL BE SAVED.” [Joel 2:32] But how will people call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how will they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher (messenger)? And how will they preach unless they are commissioned and sent [for that purpose]? Just as it is written and forever remains written, “HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!” [Is 52:7] But they did not all pay attention to the good news [of salvation]; for Isaiah says, “LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT?” [Is 53:1] So faith comes from hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the [preaching of the] message concerning Christ. But I say, did they not hear? Indeed they have; “THEIR VOICE [that of creation bearing God’s message] HAS GONE OUT TO ALL THE EARTH, AND THEIR WORDS TO THE [farthest] ENDS OF THE WORLD.” [Ps 19:4, 7-11] But I say, did Israel fail to understand [that the gospel was to go also to the Gentiles]? First Moses says, “I WILL MAKE YOU JEALOUS OF THOSE WHO ARE NOT A NATION (Gentiles); WITH A NATION THAT LACKS UNDERSTANDING I WILL MAKE YOU ANGRY.” [Deut 32:21] Then Isaiah is very bold and says, “I HAVE BEEN FOUND BY THOSE WHO DID NOT SEEK ME; I HAVE SHOWN MYSELF TO THOSE WHO DID NOT [consciously] ASK FOR ME.” [Is 65:1] But of Israel he says, “ALL DAY LONG I HAVE STRETCHED OUT MY HANDS [in compassion] TO A DISOBEDIENT AND OBSTINATE PEOPLE.” [Is 65:2]