Romans – Chapter 10

New Testament21 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 10 of Romans begins: "Brethren, the will of my heart, indeed and my prayer to God is for them unto salvation." The chapter centers on Isaiah and Moses. Across its 21 verses, two threads run through the text: faith and trust in God and justice and care for the poor. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1Brethren, the will of my heart, indeed and my prayer to God is for them unto salvation.

2For I bear them witness that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

3For they, not knowing the justice of God and seeking to establish their own, have not submitted themselves to the justice of God.

4For the end of the law is Christ: unto justice to everyone that believeth.

5For Moses wrote that the justice which is of the law: The man that shall do it shall live by it.

6But the justice which is of faith, speaketh thus: Say not in thy heart: Who shall ascend into heaven? That is to bring Christ down;

7Or who shall descend into the deep? That is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.

8But what saith the scripture? The word is nigh thee; even in thy mouth and in thy heart. This is the word of faith, which we preach.

9For if thou confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in thy heart that God hath raised him up from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

10For, with the heart, we believe unto justice: but, with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation.

11For the scripture saith: Whosoever believeth in him shall not be confounded.

12For there is no distinction of the Jew and the Greek: for the same is Lord over all, rich unto all that call upon him.

13For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

14How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? Or how shall they believe him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?

15And how shall they preach unless they be sent, as it is written: How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, of them that bring glad tidings of good things?

16But all do not obey the gospel. For Isaias saith: Lord, who hath believed our report?

17Faith then cometh by hearing; and hearing by the word of Christ.

18But I say: Have they not heard? Yes, verily: Their sound hath gone forth into all the earth: and their words unto the ends of the whole world.

19But I say: Hath not Israel known? First, Moses saith: I will provoke you to jealousy by that which is not a nation: by a foolish nation I will anger you.

20But Isaias is bold, and saith: I was found by them that did not seek me. I appeared openly to them that asked not after me.

21But to Israel he saith: All the day long have I spread my hands to a people that believeth not and contradicteth me.

Important Verses in Romans 10

Brethren, the will of my heart, indeed and my prayer to God is for them unto salvation.

Romans 10:1

But the justice which is of faith, speaketh thus: Say not in thy heart: Who shall ascend into heaven? That is to bring Christ down;

Romans 10:6

For if thou confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in thy heart that God hath raised him up from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Romans 10:9

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Romans 10:13

Historical Context

Romans belongs to the New Testament and was composed for the Christian community in Rome, both Jewish and Gentile believers. Chapter 10 of 16 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 21 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on Isaiah and Moses, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. The chapter begins: "Brethren, the will of my heart, indeed and my prayer to God is for them unto salvation." The final verse reads: "But to Israel he saith: All the day long have I spread my hands to a people that believeth not and contradicteth me. " In terms of historical background, Paul's longest and most systematic letter, written to prepare his visit to the capital of the empire. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: About AD 57-58, from Corinth.

Who Wrote It

The Apostle Paul, written through the scribe Tertius

When It Was Written

About AD 57-58, from Corinth

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, this chapter addresses specific questions facing early Christian communities. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Brethren, the will of my heart, indeed and my prayer to God is for them unto salvation." The passage repeatedly touches on faith and trust in God.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 1362). Here, Romans grounds Catholic teaching on grace and salvation (CIC 1987-1995). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize faith and trust in God as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Romans 10 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.
  • God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.
  • The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.

People in This Chapter

Isaiah2 mentionsMoses2 mentions

Reflection for Today

As Catholics read Romans Chapter 10, we do so within the living Tradition that has guarded this text for two millennia.

The saints did not treat Scripture as antiquarian literature. St. Teresa of Avila, St. Francis de Sales, and countless others used passages such as this to fuel daily conversion. intercession for others remains a practical lesson for modern disciples.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of intercession for others bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Romans Chapter 10 about?

Romans 10 contains 21 verses. It opens with "Brethren, the will of my heart, indeed and my prayer to God is for them unto salvation." and closes with "But to Israel he saith: All the day long have I spread my hands to a people that believeth not and contradicteth me. ". The book as a whole is epistle.

What is a key verse in Romans 10?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Brethren, the will of my heart, indeed and my prayer to God is for them unto salvation." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Romans Chapter 10?

This chapter mentions Isaiah, Moses.

Who wrote Romans and when?

The Apostle Paul, written through the scribe Tertius. About AD 57-58, from Corinth.

Deepen your understanding with these related articles