“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)
Romans 10:17 is a statement by the Apostle Paul about the process of awakening faith and the spiritual transformation of those who hear the message of the Gospel. Paul writes chapter 10 of Romans to address the relationship between Jews and Gentiles in the plan of salvation. He emphasizes that salvation is available to all who believe and that justification does not come through the works of the law, but through faith in Christ. In verse 17, he explains how this faith is generated: through hearing the Word of God.
Faith Comes by Hearing
The beginning of the verse states: “Faith cometh by hearing.” Hearing, in the biblical sense, is not just listening with the ears, but receiving the message with the heart, allowing it to produce transformation.
Hearing Comes by the Word of God
“And hearing by the word of God.” This establishes the source of faith: the divine message, which is communicated through preaching, teaching, and reading of the Scriptures. The “Word of God” here refers to the Gospel of Christ, which Paul asserts is the power of God for salvation (Romans 1:16).
Theologian John Stott commented: “Saving faith is not a leap in the dark, but a trust that is born from understanding the truth proclaimed by God in His Word.” This reinforces the idea that the Word is the means by which God communicates His redemptive plan.
APPLICATIONS OF ROMANS 10:17
The Centrality of the Word of God
This verse highlights the importance of proclaiming the Gospel. Preaching and teaching the Word are indispensable for faith to be generated and strengthened.
The Necessity of Attentive Hearing
Hearing is more than exposure to the message; it is welcoming it with sincerity and submission. As Jesus often said: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 11:15)
The Responsibility to Witness
For others to hear the Word of God, Christians have the mission to share it. Paul highlights this in Romans 10:14-15: “How shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?”
Faith is a gift born from the encounter with the Word of God. Through attentive hearing and faithful proclamation, the Gospel transforms hearts and leads to salvation. As Paul reveals, this is the foundation of the divine plan: to use His Word to draw all who believe into a living and saving relationship with Christ.
Dom Caldas
Diocesan Bishop