10:1 their salvation Paul desires that his fellow Jews would put their faith in Christ. See note on 9:2; compare 5:18; 8:10.

10:2 a zeal The Greek word used here, zēlos, refers to an intense desire for something. The ot describes God as zealous for His honor (Isa 42:13). Many Jews considered zeal a prized virtue, and in some instances they resorted to violence to express zeal for God (Num 25:10–11). In this context, Paul suggests that his fellow Jews misdirected their zeal because they did not recognize God’s work.

10:3 righteousness of God Revealed in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. See note on Rom 1:17.

seeking to establish their own Paul accuses his fellow Jews of pursuing right relationship with God through keeping the law.

10:4 is the end The Greek word used here, telos, often translated “end,” could refer to a goal, result, or termination. Thus, Christ can be understood as the law’s fulfillment, in the sense that His death and resurrection achieved God’s purpose for the law.

of the law for righteousness Paul typically uses the Greek word nomos (“law”) to refer to the law of Moses. Paul’s point about the relationship between righteousness and the end of the law can be read in several ways, depending on how the Greek grammar is translated.

The Law in Paul’s Letters

10:5 Moses A man called by God to deliver Israel from slavery in Egypt (Exod 3).

righteousness that is from the law Contrasts righteousness that comes by faith (compare note on Rom 2:13).

who does this will live by it Paul quotes Lev 18:5 to explain the relationship between righteousness and faith. Righteousness that comes from obeying the law requires a person to continue living by the law. This orientation to the law excludes faith. Jews, who sought righteousness from the law, would naturally reason that those without the law (Gentiles) could not obtain right relationship with God.

10:6 righteousness from faith Refers to a right relationship with God through faith.

Who will ascend into heaven Paul quotes Deut 30:12 to warn his audience about being ignorant regarding the nature of righteousness (compare Rom 10:2–3).

10:7 abyss Refers to the place of the dead, the underworld.

10:8 The word is near to you Paul cites Deut 30:14 to affirm the accessibility of the word of faith. Just as Moses announced the accessible nature of the law, Paul announces the accessible nature of the gospel. This word is especially near because the Spirit wrote it upon the hearts and minds of believers (Jer 31:33; 2 Cor 3:3).

10:9 confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord” Describes an outward expression of inward trust. Paul does not regard believing in the heart and confessing with the mouth as separate activities, but as parts of a singular expression of faith in Jesus’ lordship.

God raised him from the dead Paul presented God’s resurrection of Christ as the basis of the believer’s justification before God (see Rom 4:25; 5:1). Therefore, faith in the resurrection is essential. The resurrection also shows that God vindicated Christ from the shame of the cross (compare 9:33). Elsewhere in his letters, Paul associates Christ’s resurrection with His lordship (Eph 1:19–22; Phil 2:9).

10:10 righteousness Refers to a right relationship with God that has been restored after placing faith in Jesus as Lord (see Rom 5:1, 10; 8:1). Here the term is close in meaning to salvation. See note on 1:17.

mouth one confesses See note on v. 9.

10:11 Everyone who believes in him Paul again quotes from Isa 28:16, adding the Greek word pas, meaning “everyone” or “all,” to demonstrate that this promise applies to both Jewish and non-Jewish people (compare Rom 9:33).

10:12 there is no distinction Both Jews and Gentiles are under God’s judgment because of sin (3:9–20), yet both are eligible for righteousness through faith in Christ.

call upon him In the ot, this expression referred to prayer directed toward Yahweh (Gen 4:26; 12:8; 13:4). The Greek word kyrios, translated “Lord,” refers to Jesus Christ. Thus, Paul identifies Jesus Christ with Yahweh of the ot.

10:13 everyone who calls Paul quotes Joel 2:32.

10:15 bring good news of good things Paul quotes Isa 52:7 to emphasize the importance of spreading the gospel. This verse is just prior to the Servant Songs of Isa 52:13–53:12 that find their fulfillment in Jesus, which Paul alludes to throughout this letter.

10:16 who has believed our report A quotation from Isa 53:1, where the report is about the Suffering Servant. See note on Rom 10:15; compare note on Isa 53:1.

10:17 faith comes by hearing Righteousness comes by faith, and faith comes by hearing the gospel message. At the same time for Paul, faith demands obedience to the gospel (Rom 10:16).

the word about Christ Refers to the message about the crucified and resurrected Christ.

10:18 Their voice has gone out Paul quotes Psa 19:4.

10:19 who are not a nation Although the Israelites rejected the gospel message, God turned their disobedience into a blessing for non-Israelites (compare Acts 13:46–47). In doing so, He provoked the rest of unbelieving Israel to jealousy so that they might turn to Christ.

10:21 disobedient and resistant people In both the original context of Isaiah and in Romans, Israel rejects God’s gracious hand. Israel’s repeated resistance to God’s will prompts the question of their future in God’s plans (Rom 11:1–36).