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NASB | Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the [preaching of the] message concerning Christ. |
Bible Question: Most explanations I've heard act like this verse says, "So faith comes from hearing; hearing the word of God." But it doesn't say that. It says, "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing BY the word of God." That word "BY" is what puzzles me. Can anyone explain what "hearing BY the word of God" means? |
Bible Answer: Excellent question, txana! MacArthur's Study Bible explains the verse "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." in this way, "Paul's main point in this series of rhetorical questions is that a clear presentation of the gospel message must precede true saving faith. True faith always has content- the revealed Word of God. Salvation comes to those who hear and believe the facts of the gospel." "There is not one God to the Jews, more kind, and another to the Gentiles, who is less kind; the Lord is a Father to all men. The promise is the same to all, who call on the name of the Lord Jesus as the Son of God, as God manifest in the flesh. All believers thus call upon the Lord Jesus, and none else will do so humbly or sincerely. But how should any call on the Lord Jesus, the Divine Saviour, who had not heard of him? And what is the life of a Christian but a life of prayer? It shows that we feel our dependence on him, and are ready to give up ourselves to him, and have a believing expectation of our all from him. It was necessary that the gospel should be preached to the Gentiles. Somebody must show them what they are to believe. How welcome the gospel ought to be to those to whom it was preached! The gospel is given, not only to be known and believed, but to be obeyed. It is not a system of notions, but a rule of practice. The beginning, progress, and strength of faith is by hearing. But it is only hearing the word, as the word of God that will strengthen faith." (Matthew Henry Commentary) You may also want to read Galatians 3:2,5. Txana, I hope that this helps you in your understanding of this verse. This is not an 'easily read' verse, and it shows just how complex Paul can get! :) Blessings, Nolan |