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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE LETTER TO THE ROMANS

CHAPTER TEN:
“The Confession of Faith”

[“Heart and Mouth”]
Key word: Preach
Theme Verse: 10

Romans 10:1-4 – Ignorant Zeal

RO10:1 Brothers, truly, the good intentions of my heart, 584 and [my] supplications to The God, 585 are for their salvation. 586

584	The good intentions of my heart: Or, KJV: my heart’s desire; MON: the longing of my heart; WMS: my heart’s good will. Paul’s motives on behalf of fleshly Israel are good. The KJV adds: for Israel is.

585	And [my] supplications to The God: Or, KJV: prayer. Paul has expressed his strongest feelings earlier – see notes on Romans 9:3.

586	Are for their salvation: Or, KJV: that they might be saved. (Romans 9:3)

RO10:2 For I testify that 587 they have a zeal for God 588 but not according to any heightened relationship [with God]. 589

587	I testify that: Or, MOF: I can vouch for; PME: I know from experience. Paul speaks from his own experience as a rabbinical Jew. Compare 2 Corinthians 11:22 and Philippians 3:5, 6. He has walked away from his own religion and knows from experience the attitude of the Jews.

588

They have a zeal for God: Or, TCN: they are zealous for the honour of God; GDS: sincere devotion; WEY: possess an enthusiasm for; BAS: a strong desire for; PME: what a passion for. Paul is very positive here in expressing his own experience and observations among his Jewish kinsmen and relatives. So would ever argue that the Jews were zealous in their religious rites, spiritual control over their community, and devoted to the transmission of God’s Word. (See notes on Romans 3:1.) As Acts 21:20 reports: “[The Jews] are all zealous for the Law.” Paul writes in Galatians 1:14, “I was considerably far more zealous for the forefathers traditions.” The Nazarene predicted that this zeal could be misdirected or misguided at John 16:2, “The time will come when all those [Jews] who kill you will think they are worshipping God in doing so.”

589

Not according to any heightened relationship [with God]: Or, KJV: not according to knowledge; RHM: correct knowledge; TCN: true insight; GDS: intelligent devotion. The Greek is EPI-GNOSIN, or, over-knowing. One could not accuse the Jews of lacking knowledge for they have been gifted in the religious development of knowledge and philosophy. Paul explains his meaning here in the next phrases. See notes on Ephesians 1:17 and EPIGNO.

RO10:3 For they are ignorant of God’s righteousness 590 and are seeking to establish their own self-righteousness. 591 They are not in submission to God’s righteousness. 592

590

They are ignorant of God’s righteousness: Or, CON: they knew not; KNX: did not recognize. See notes on Roman 1:17 regarding “God’s righteousness” which is of faith and not legal requirements. Generations of legalistic worshippers can begin to loose sight of the Lawgiver and begin to solely focus on rules and regulations.

591

Are seeking to establish their own self-righteousness: Or, TCN: eagerness to set up a righteousness of their own. The Law of Moses contained about 600 God-given regulations which were turned into 100,000 over the centuries. See the Nazarene on the Jews at Luke 16:15; 18:9. Paul explains the difference in that self-righteousness which comes from observing regulations as opposed to that which results from faith. (Philippians 3:9)

592	They are not in submission to God’s righteousness: The God: Or, TCN: refused to accept with submission; MOF: not surrender to; GDS: refused to conform to; PME: wrong attitude to receive. See an example in the notes at Matthew 15:5, 6. (Luke 7:30)

RO10:4 For Christ is the end of the Law 593 leading to righteousness to everyone believing. 594

593

Christ is the end of the Law: Or, CON: the end of the Law is Christ; GDS: Christ marks the termination of law; TCN: Christ has brought the Law to an end; KNX: Christ has superseded the Law; WMS: put an end to; BE: the completion of; WEY: the consummation of. See the notes on Matthew 5:17 using this phrase as a commentary. (Compare notes on Romans 7:16 and Ephesians 2:15; Colossians 2:14.) Research notes on Law or NOMO in Romans. When Paul uses the word “Law” in many contexts he means also the Ten Commandments as part of the 600 commands in the Mosaic Law. To understand what this means read Jeremiah 31:31-35 and follow cross-references.

594	Leading to righteousness to everyone believing: Or, KJV: for righteousness to every one that believeth; GDS: so that now anyone who has faith may attain uprightness; KNX: justification to anyone who will believe; WMS: puts his trust in him. (Acts 13:39; Galatians 3:24)

Romans 10:5-10 – Heart and Mouth

RO10:5 For, Moses writes concerning 595 that righteousness resulting from the Law: 596 “The person who performs the Law will live in it.” [Leviticus 18:5]

595

Moses writes concerning: Paul believes Moses to be the writer of Leviticus 18:5 and he alludes to it in a paraphrase. (Compare also Nehemiah 9:29; Ezekiel 20:11) Note that Paul also quotes Leviticus 18:5 at Galatians 3:12. Not all include this phrase in quotation marks. It should be noted that Deuteronomy 30:16 is similar and may also be the source.

596	Righteousness resulting from the Law: Or, WEY: righteousness required by the Law; MOF: law-righteousness; WMS: the law-way to right standing. Righteousness means obedience to Law and such a person is law-abiding.

RO10:6 In contrast, that righteousness resulting from conviction says, 597 “Do not state in your heart, [Deuteronomy 9:4] ‘Who will ascend into the Celestialum,’ 598 (that is to bring Christ down) 599

597	Righteousness resulting from conviction says: Or, KJV: the righteousness which is of faith; GDS: springs from; WEY: based on. Note Paul personifies this “righteousness” and has it speaking.

598	Do not state in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into the Celestialum’: First a free paraphrase of Deuteronomy 9:4 and then quoting Deuteronomy 30:12. This is called a conflate or compound paraphrase borrowing phrases into a single inspired interpretation. We get some idea into Paul’s mind here.

599

That is to bring Christ down: Paul’s inspired interpretation of Deuteronomy 30:12, 13 has several views. In Deuteronomy the context is the Saying or RHEMA in the LXX and Paul goes on to interpret this as the “Saying of Conviction.” Later Jewish Targums viewed the phrase as trying to ascend to Sinai to bring Moses down (called the Christ at Hebrews 11:26) or ascending into the sea to bring up Jonah, both Messiah-types. Beyond accepting Paul’s interpretation we leave other views to speculations. The phrase also suggests the pre-existence of Christ in heaven.

RO10:7 or, ‘Who will descend into the Abyss,’ 600 (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).” 601 [Deuteronomy 30:12-14; Psalm 71:19, 20]

600

Who will descend into the Abyss: The Greek word is ABYSSAN (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #12). In Deuteronomy 30:12, 13 the word used is “sea” and it is noteworthy that ABYSSOU is used in Genesis 1:2 in the LXX so Paul’s paraphrase is not amiss. (Genesis 7:11; 49:25; Job 41:32; Psalm 42:7; 88:6; 104:6; 106:9) On “abyss” some state: Greek and English Lexicon to the New Testament, “very or exceedingly deep”; Liddell and Scott’s Greek-English Lexicon, “unfathomable, boundless… the infinite void.” It is possible that abyss here means Sheol or Hades, the grave where Jesus spent three days.

601

That is, to bring Christ up from the dead: Paul’s inspired interpretation as he borrows the wording of from two possible texts. This likely confirms his use of abyss as meaning Hades, or the grave. There is an echo in these phrases to Psalm 71:19, 20 (70:19, 20 in the LXX) “O God, your righteousness and your power are heaven-high… Revive me again, and from the abyss of the earth may you raise me up again.” Is there a possibility of a compound paraphrase of both Deuteronomy 30:12, 13 and Psalm 71:19, 20?

RO10:8 But, what does it say? “The Saying is near you – in your mouth and in your heart,” 602 [Deuteronomy 30:14] (that is that ‘Saying’ belonging to conviction which we proclaim). 603

602

The Saying is near you – in your mouth and in your heart: Paul now quotes Deuteronomy 30:14. The Greek RHEMA (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #4487) is rendered: saying, word, message. Some suggest the phrase “in your heart” points forward to Jeremiah 31:31-35 and the foretold implanting of God’s law in the hearts of believers.

603	‘Saying’ belonging to conviction which we proclaim: Or, KJV the word of faith, which we preach; CON: the Word Faith; GDS: message about faith.

RO10:9 Because if you will ever confess that Saying in your mouth 604 that Jesus is Master; 605 and, you believe in your heart that The God raised him up from the dead 606 – you will be saved. 607

604	If you will ever confess that Saying in your mouth: Or, TCN: with your lips acknowledge; PME: openly admit. The one who wishes to be a disciple of the Nazarene must make a statement regarding such. Compare notes on Romans 14:11 with Philippians 2:10, 11.

605	That Jesus is Master: The first confession of faith. Compare Acts 16:31. See John 1:12, 13 and notes on 1 John 5:1. All living beings in the universe will one day hail Jesus Christ the Nazarene as “Master” or, Lord.

606	You believe in your heart that The God raised him up from the dead: The second confession of faith, the resurrection of Jesus. See notes on Romans 1:4 and Romans 4:24. (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; 1 Peter 1:21)

607

You will be saved: Paul makes this future as he does in the following phrase. There are two phrases to “salvation” – a) the initial act of being saved (like a drowning victim pulled to safety by the lifeguard with life still ahead); and, b) that final everlasting salvation following the judgment before the throne of Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:10; see notes on Matthew 24:42-25:46; and notes on 1 John 2:28)

RO10:10 For it is the heart which believes leading to righteousness, 608 but it is with the mouth one makes confession leading to salvation. 609

608

It is the heart which believes leading to righteousness: Or, MOF: for with his heart man believes and is justified; GDS: with their minds men believe and are made upright; WMS: in their hearts people exercise the faith that leads to right standing; KNX: the hearts has only to believe. It is interesting how Paul puts these two: the heart believes unto righteousness; but, it is the mouth which confesses unto salvation. Both are needed if salvation be obtained through Christ. (2 Chronicles 28:9; see notes on 2 Thessalonians 3:5)

609

It is with the mouth one makes confession leading to salvation: Or, KJV: and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation; WMS: with their lips they make the acknowledgment which means salvation; PME: it is stating his belief by his own mouth that confirms his salvation. (2 Corinthians 4:13) The disciple makes an initial confession, likely at baptism or before and then through life carries the preaching Christ in the daily walk. This confession of Jesus as Lord, raised by God from the dead, amounts to “calling upon” the Name of God the Father, for Jesus is the instrument of salvation.

Romans 10:11-15 – Saved Call on YHWH

RO10:11 For the Scripture says, 610 “Everyone believing upon him will not be ashamed.” 611 [Isaiah 28:16]

610	For the Scripture says: Paul believes the prophet Isaiah to be part of Scripture.

611

Everyone believing upon him will not be ashamed: Or, ASV: not be put to shame; CON: confounded; MOF: disappointed. “Disappointed” is inferred by not being ashamed. Paul quotes Isaiah 28:16 which reads in full, “Yehowah stated: ‘In Zion I lay a foundation stone – a precious stone, elected, the foundation corner. And he that believes will not become ashamed.’” The Hebrew Text reads, “… he who believes will not hurry.” (IB) This is something of a paraphrase by Paul for neither the Hebrew nor the Greek texts of Isaiah 28:16 have “upon him.” The Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh has “Behold, I will found in Zion, stone by stone… He who trusts need not fear.” So, Paul has either paraphrased or is quoting from another version of either the Hebrew or Greek texts. If we accept Paul’s “upon him” we may assume he refers to the Stone and not Yehowah.

RO10:12 Because there is no difference between Jew and Greek, 612 for the same Sovereign [over all] is rich to everyone calling upon Him. 613

612

There is no difference between Jew and Greek: Or, TCN: no distinction; WEY: on the same footing; PME: that “whomsoever” means anyone without distinction. Paul has emphasized the word “everyone” (or, whomsoever) which equalizes Jew and Greek (non-Jews). The Jews, or Israel, have lost any special relationship with God and are now on equal footing with the non-Jewish world. This conclusion was reached at the first general apostolic conference. (Acts 15:9) Compare Galatians 3:28 and see notes on Ephesians 2:14.

613

For the same Sovereign [over all] is rich to everyone calling upon Him: Or, CON: gives richly; WEY: rich in blessing; GDS: generous; TCN: bountiful; PME: boundless resources. Based on Paul’s reference of Isaiah 28:16 here, he may have in mind Yehowah who makes the statement by the prophet. There is some disagreement on which “Lord” Paul has in mind. Nowhere does Paul ever teach that Christians may “call upon” the Lord Jesus. In the 21st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures [NCMM] the title “lord” is rendered “master” when applied to Jesus.

RO10:13 For, “Everyone who ever calls upon the name of YHWH will be saved.” 614 [Joel 2:32]

614

Everyone who ever calls upon the name of YHWH will be saved: Paul’s quotation is from Joel 2:32 [some 3:1-5] which reads in the Hebrew Text, “For it will be that all who shall call on the name of Yehowah will be saved.” (IB) There is no Greek manuscript which contains YHWH in Paul’s quotation. Peter also quotes Joel 2:32 at Acts 2:17, “And in the last days God says… ‘and everyone calling on the name of YHWH will be saved.’” It seems clear that Peter agrees with Joel that the name to call upon is that of the Lord God Yehowah. Paul does not go on to say that everyone should “call upon” the name of the Master Jesus, but rather he has already mentioned the need to confess that Jesus is Master and to believe The God raised him up from the dead. Thus, for some, there seems no reason to believe that Joel’s 2:32 “Lord” is Jesus, but rather his Father. How one “calls upon” the Source of salvation – for even Jesus (see Hebrews 5:7) – is explained by Paul in confessing the instrument of salvation, the Lord Jesus. Compare Isaiah 45:23 with Philippians 2:9-11 and the notes on Romans 14:10-12.

RO10:14 How, then, will they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? 615 But, how will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? 616 But, how will they hear without someone to preach? 617

615

How, then, will they call upon Him in whom they have not believed: Paul builds a chain of events involving the Gospel: feet, sent forth, preach, hear, believe, call upon. (Hebrews 11:6) The Jews accused the Christians of such but we may assume this was their misunderstanding. (Acts 9:21) Paul “calls upon” only The God. (2 Corinthians 1:23; 2 Timothy 2:22)

616	How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard: Paul is leading to the important fact that someone must preach the Gospel.

617	How will they hear without someone to preach: Or, KJV: with a preacher; TCN: unless someone proclaims; NEB: without someone to spread the news. It was the early Christian zeal to preach which spread the Gospel so far so quickly. See 2 Corinthians 4:13.

RO10:15 But, how will they preach if they are not sent forth? 618 Just as it has been written, “How beautiful are the feet of those proclaiming the Evangel of good things.” 619 [Isaiah 52:7]

618

How will they preach if they are not sent forth: Or, NEB: with a commission. The phrase “sent forth” is from the Greek APOSTALOSIN (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #649) from which “apostle” comes. There is a general apostleship that all Christians share. See notes on Romans 1:5. (Matthew 28:20; Revelation 18:20)

619

How beautiful are the feet of those proclaiming the Evangel of good things: Or, CON: glad-tidings; MOF: how pleasant is the coming of men with glad, good news; GDS: how welcome is the coming of those who bring good news. Paul quotes Isaiah 52:7. (Compare Nahum 1:15) Paul is to quote other verses in Isaiah chapter 52. (Isaiah 52:5 = see notes on Romans 2:24; Isaiah 52:11 = 2 Corinthians 6:17; Isaiah 52:15 = see notes on Romans 15:21) Compare the “feet” in the notes on Ephesians 6:15.

Romans 10:16-21 – Did Israel Fail to Know?

RO10:16 However, not all [Israel] obeyed the good news. 620 For, Isaiah says, “YHWH, who has believed our report.” 621 [Isaiah 53:1]

620	Not all [Israel] obeyed the good news: Or, KJV: they have not all obeyed the gospel; CON: hearkened to; GDS: accepted. As foretold by Isaiah 52:13-53:3 the Jews would generally reject the Messiah and not obey his Gospel. (Hebrews 4:2)

621	YHWH, who has believed our report: Paul quotes Isaiah 53:1 from the Messianic prophecy in that whole chapter. He draws the conclusion that this question in Isaiah 53:1 to foretell Israel’s rejection of Messiah. Compare John 12:37, 38 and the quotation of Isaiah 53:1 there.

RO10:17 Therefore, conviction comes from hearing, 622 but hearing by means of Christ’s Sayings. 623

622	Conviction comes from hearing: Or, KJV: faith cometh by hearing; MON: from a message heard; NEB: we conclude that faith is awakened by the message. Paul’s simple formula. (John 4:42; 17:20)

623	Hearing by means of Christ’s Sayings: Or, KJV: hearing by the word of God; GDS: through the message about Christ; RSV: comes by the preaching of Christ; PME: the message is the word of Christ. (Galatians 3:2; Hebrews 1:1, 2)

RO10:18 But, I ask you, did they never hear [the good news]? 624 Surely, [for], “Into all the earth their sound went out 625 and into the boundaries of the inhabited world their Sayings.” 626 [Psalm 19:4]

624	Did they never hear [the good news]: Or, KJV: have they not heard; GDS: no opportunity to hear. Paul now embarks on and interesting thrust – whether Israel had opportunity to hear.

625

Into all the earth their sound went out: Or, KJV: their sound went into all the earth; GDS: their voices have gone all over the earth; KNX: fills every land; AMP: [that of nature bearing God’s message]. Paul here quotes Psalm 19:4 where the context is the “heavens declaring the glory of God.” (Psalm 19:1)

626

Into the boundaries of the inhabited world their Sayings: Or, KJV: their words unto the ends of the world; NEB: their words to the bounds of the inhabited world. Paul seems to go back to Romans 1:20 and that lack of excuse on the part of apostate Jews who did not see God’s “eternal power and divinity” in creation. (See notes on Romans 1:20.) Not only did the Jews have the holy words of God (see notes on Romans 3:2) but they – like the rest of mankind – have the celestial testimony in the vast array of the stellar universe. There is a ‘saying’ or ‘message’ from this source: God lives! This awe ought to lead to reverence and this reverence to faith which produces the fruitage of conviction. The Jews are without excuse. Paul may also borrow the poetic words of the Psalm as a metaphor for the Gospel preaching of Christ’s Message which also had covered that world. (Colossians 1:23)

RO10:19 But, I say, did Israel never know? 627 First, Moses says, “I will provoke you to jealousy by a nation not a nation 628 and by an ignorant nation I will make you angry.” 629 [Deuteronomy 32:21]

627	Did Israel never know: Or, MOF: did Israel not understand; GDS: did Israel fail to understand; NEB: can it be that Israel failed to recognize the message. (Acts 2:14)

628

I will provoke you to jealousy by a nation not a nation: Or, KJV: by them that are no people; NEB: I will use a nation that is no nation to stir your envy. Paul quotes Deuteronomy 32:21 and may be alluding to the name “nation” the Nazarene mentions at Matthew 21:43, “God’s Realm will be removed from you and given to a nation bearing its fruitage.” (See notes on Matthew 21:43) Or, Peter’s “holy nation.” (1 Peter 2:9) In other words, the new “Israel of God” manifest in the Christian Church might move the Jews to envy. (Galatians 6:16)

629

By an ignorant nation I will make you angry: Or, KJV: a foolish nation I will anger you; ASV: void of understanding; TCN: undiscerning nation. It is possible Paul sees the Jewish view of the Christian community as ignorant and lacking their understanding. The words of Moses above were in his closing eulogy regarding whether Israel would be cursed or blessed. The prophet Moses looks forward to a future non-Jewish nation who will either anger or stir to envy the Jews.

RO10:20 However, Isaiah is very bold when he says, “I was found by those not searching for me. 630 I became manifest by those not asking for me.” 631 [Isaiah 65:1]

630

I was found by those not searching for me: Or, Paul quotes Isaiah 65:1 as a prophecy regarding the non-Jews. Specifically, the non-Jews did not search for Yehowah though in a general sense all non-Jews have sought God. (Compare Acts 17:17) However, individual non-Jews did search ought Yehowah. Compare the Queen of Sheba and Jesus’ remarks about her: (Matthew 12:42) “[The Queen of Sheba] came from earth’s boundaries to hear Solomon’s wisdom.” (1 Kings 10:1) Also the Ethiopian eunuch. (Acts 8:27)

631

I became manifest by those not asking for me: Or, TCN: I made myself known to those who were not inquiring of me; NEB: who never asked about me. The Gospel Message (Saying) reached the limits of the Roman world because God sent his apostles and prophets to them throughout the known world. See notes on Romans 9:30. The Hebrew of Isaiah 65:1 may allow for an interesting reading: “I have let myself be searched for by those who had not asked [for me]. I have let myself be found by those who had not looked for me.” (NWT)

RO10:21 Then toward Israel he says, “All day long I reached out My hands 632 toward a disobedient and obstinate people.” 633 [Isaiah 65:2]

632	All day long I reached out My hands: Or, KJV: I have stretched forth my hands. The image is similar to that of the Nazarene “How often I wanted to gather your [Jewish] children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks together under her wings!” (See notes on Matthew 23:37.)

633	Toward a disobedient and obstinate people: Or, KJV: gainsaying; RHM: unyielding and contradicting; GDS: disobedient and obstinate; WEY: self-willed and fault-finding; KNX: refuses obedience and cries out against me. God’s own assessment of Israel as a whole. Compare Jeremiah 11:8; Zechariah 7:12.

Summary of Chapter Ten

Paul expresses his heart-felt motives in behalf of the Jews. However, from his own experience he finds fault with their misguided zeal. He charges the Jews rely on the Law of Moses to achieve righteousness rather than that righteousness of God which results from faith. Paul confirms that Christ is the end of the Law of Moses.

Paul quotes several verses from the Hebrew Scriptures developing the two forms of righteousness. He argues that the Saying or Message of Deuteronomy 30:12-14 is the proclamation regarding Christ. He shows that the heart believes leading to righteousness, while the mouth must confess, “Jesus is Lord,” to obtain salvation.

Paul quotes Isaiah 28:16 and focuses on the word “everyone” to show there is no longer any distinction between Jew and non-Jew. He argues from Joel 2:32 that salvation depends on calling on the Name of God. However, this requires a series of actions: calling, and believing, because of hearing the preaching of those sent forth, quoting from Isaiah 52:7.

Despite the beautiful feet proclaiming good news the Jews did not all obey the Evangel. Paul proves this using Isaiah 53:1. He then uses Psalm 19:4 to demonstrate that despite the Gospel itself the Jews had the celestial ‘Sayings’ going to the farthest corners of earth. He cites both Moses and Isaiah that another ‘nation’ or ‘peoples’ will not only find God but also stir Israel to envy.

Review Questions on Chapter Ten