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Romans 10:2
Verse
Context
The Word Brings Salvation
1Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is for their salvation.2For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge.3Because they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
They have a zeal of God - They believe their law to have come immediately from God himself, and are jealous of its glory and excellence; they conscientiously observe its rites and ceremonies, but they do not consider the object and end of those rites; they sin more through ignorance than malice; and this pleads in their excuse. By this fine apology for them, the apostle prepares them for the harsher truths which he was about to deliver.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For I bear them record--or, "witness," as he well could from his own sad experience. that they have a zeal of--"for" God, but not according to knowledge--(Compare Act 22:3; Act 26:9-11; Gal 1:13-14). He alludes to this well-meaning of his people, notwithstanding their spiritual blindness, not certainly to excuse their rejection of Christ and rage against His saints, but as some ground of hope regarding them. (See Ti1 1:13).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For I bear them record, that they have a zeal of God,.... A zeal for God; for the being and unity of God, against the polytheism and idolatry of the Gentiles; for the word of God, the writings of the Old Testament, of which they were zealous defenders and preservers, and which they diligently read and heard explained, and whereby they thought to obtain eternal life; for the law of God, moral and ceremonial, especially for the rituals of the Mosaic economy; for the service and worship of God, they spared no pains, but compassed sea and land to bring in proselytes to their religion; all which the apostle could testify from his own knowledge, and by his own experience, who had been as great a zealot as any of them all. But now whilst the apostle is expressing his strong affection for this people, he is careful to act the faithful part to them, and points out their mistakes, and shows them their faults; which he does in this and the following verse, by observing, that they had a zeal of God indeed, but not according to knowledge: it was not well regulated, it proceeded on mistaken principles, and moved in a wrong way, in persecuting the church of God, in doing things contrary to the name of Christ, in putting to death his ministers and members, thinking that hereby they did God good service; which arose from their ignorance of their Father, and of the Son: though they had a zeal of God, they knew neither God nor Christ aright; they did not know God in Christ, nor Jesus to be the true Messiah; they understood neither law nor Gospel truly, and fancied the Gospel was contrary to the law, and an enemy to it; and therefore in their great zeal opposed it, and the professors of it; they were zealous of the law, and of doing the commands of it, but knew not the true nature, use, and end of the law; as appears by what follows.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
10:2 Zeal denotes a passionate and commendable commitment to God and his purposes (see Num 25:6-13). But in Paul’s day Jewish zeal was misdirected because it failed to understand that Jesus Christ is the pinnacle of God’s plan. (For Paul’s own misdirected zeal before his conversion to Christ, see Acts 9:1-2; Gal 1:13-14.)
Romans 10:2
The Word Brings Salvation
1Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is for their salvation.2For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge.3Because they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Studies in Romans-07
By William MacDonald1.1K44:33ISA 1:9ISA 1:30ROM 9:14ROM 10:2The sermon transcript discusses the importance of universal proclamation of the gospel for both Jews and Gentiles. It outlines the steps that lead to salvation, starting with God sending his servants to preach the good news. Sinners have the opportunity to hear and believe the message, and those who believe call on the Lord and are saved. The sermon emphasizes the need for zeal connected with truth, as well as the ignorance of the Jews who tried to produce their own righteousness through works instead of accepting God's plan of reckoning righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ.
Sunday Night Meditations 29 Message and Song - 1950's
By Welcome Detweiler40129:49ROM 10:2In this sermon, the preacher shares a story of a missionary in China who encounters a man on a journey to a sacred spot in Tibet. The man is traveling in a strange manner, falling to the ground and marking his length on the road. When asked why he is traveling this way, the man explains that he believes it will gain favor with God in the next life. The preacher then relates this story to the message of Romans 10 verses 2 and 3, emphasizing the importance of understanding and accepting the true gospel of salvation. The sermon concludes with a reminder to listeners to share the good news of God's free salvation with others.
Ignorance Is the Mother of Destruction
By Thomas Brooks0Spiritual GrowthKnowledgePRO 1:7PRO 4:7ISA 5:13HOS 4:6MAT 22:29JHN 8:32ROM 10:21CO 15:34JAS 1:52PE 3:18Thomas Brooks emphasizes that ignorance leads to destruction, citing Hosea 4:6 to illustrate that a lack of knowledge can render people unfit for salvation. He contrasts the notion that ignorance fosters devotion, arguing instead that it is a perilous state that can lead to spiritual ruin. Brooks calls for believers to seek knowledge and understanding to avoid the pitfalls of ignorance and its destructive consequences.
Zeal's Precocity
By Miles J. Stanford0MAT 16:24ROM 10:21CO 8:1PHP 2:31TI 3:6Miles J. Stanford emphasizes the importance of having zeal for God accompanied by true knowledge and understanding. He warns against misdirected zeal and the dangers of being awakened to the fact that we may lack the necessary knowledge and behavior expected of us in God's grace. Stanford highlights the need for self-judgment, deeper communion with Jesus, and the importance of doing the right things in the right way through practical grace and love.
St. Paul Shows the Certainty of Spiritual Knowledge.
By Daniel Steele0ROM 1:28ROM 3:20ROM 10:2COL 2:21TH 1:52TI 3:7TIT 1:1HEB 6:11HEB 10:222PE 1:1Daniel Steele preaches about the importance of having a full assurance and certainty of spiritual knowledge, emphasizing the impact of the outpouring of the Spirit in quickening spiritual perceptions. He delves into the compound words used by the apostles post-Pentecost to express the clarity and exactness of their spiritual understanding, highlighting the believer's access to God without hesitancy through the fullness of the Spirit. Steele discusses the significance of attaining a full assurance of hope and the highest degree of divine evidence of persevering grace, contrasting Calvinism and Arminianism views on assurance. He explores the concept of epignosis, a strengthened form of knowledge, stressing the Christian's privilege to know God without doubt and the role of the Holy Spirit in revealing spiritual truths.
Ignorant People
By Thomas Brooks0Knowledge Of GodIgnorancePRO 1:7ISA 5:13HOS 4:6MAT 22:29JHN 8:32ROM 10:21CO 15:34EPH 4:18COL 1:92PE 3:18Thomas Brooks emphasizes the dangers of ignorance in his sermon 'Ignorant People,' arguing that while some may believe ignorance fosters devotion, the Bible clearly states it leads to destruction. He cites Hosea 4:6 to illustrate that lack of knowledge results in ruin, and Matthew 22:29 to highlight that error stems from not knowing the Scriptures. Brooks warns that ignorance enslaves individuals to sin and makes them vulnerable to Satan's traps, ultimately leading to a life devoid of understanding and filled with misery. He concludes that ignorance not only breeds sin but also makes individuals indifferent to their actions against God and their own souls.
Of Zeal.
By John Gill0Zeal for GodTrue vs. False Zeal1KI 18:21ISA 9:7MAT 23:15ROM 10:22CO 7:112CO 11:2GAL 4:18PHP 3:9TIT 2:14REV 3:15John Gill emphasizes the significance of zeal as a fervent love for God and His glory, distinguishing between genuine zeal and various forms of misguided zeal. He explains that true zeal is characterized by a passionate commitment to God's righteousness, worship, and the promotion of the gospel, while false zeal can stem from ignorance, hypocrisy, or misguided intentions. Gill outlines the different types of zeal, including the zeal of God, mistaken zeal, superstitious zeal, and hypocritical zeal, urging believers to pursue a true and informed zeal that aligns with God's will. He encourages Christians to be fervent in their faith and actions, reflecting the zeal of Christ in their lives.
Homily 6 on Matthew
By St. John Chrysostom0GEN 49:10PRO 9:9EZK 16:49MAT 2:1MAT 10:33ROM 10:22CO 2:2EPH 6:12PHP 3:19John Chrysostom preaches on the significance of the wise men from the East seeking Jesus, emphasizing the divine intervention through the star to lead them to the newborn King of the Jews. He delves into the unique nature of the star, highlighting its miraculous movements and purpose to reprove the Jews for their insensibility and to open the door to the Gentiles. Chrysostom challenges the audience to reflect on their own actions and attitudes, urging them to prioritize repentance, compunction, and sobriety over indulgence in worldly pleasures and sinful entertainment. He warns against the dangers of immorality, blasphemy, and complacency, emphasizing the need for a contrite heart, self-restraint, and reverence in the face of spiritual warfare and impending judgment.
Exposition on Psalm 143
By St. Augustine0ROM 10:2St. Augustine preaches on the Psalms, revealing how they point to Jesus Christ and His prophecies. He emphasizes the importance of seeking Christ in the Psalms and recognizing Him as the fulfillment of past events. Augustine delves into the themes of humility, righteousness, and the need for God's mercy and grace in our lives, urging believers to acknowledge their sins and rely on God's righteousness. He highlights the struggles faced by Christ and His followers, emphasizing the unity between Christ as the Head and believers as His members.
Zeal Without Knowledge
By Theodore Epp0ZealRelationship With ChristMAT 7:1JHN 15:5ROM 10:21CO 13:1GAL 4:18EPH 2:8PHP 3:6COL 3:232TI 2:24TIT 2:14Theodore Epp discusses the concept of 'Zeal Without Knowledge' as exemplified by Paul, who, despite his fervent persecution of the church, was misguided in his understanding of God's will. Epp emphasizes that true Christian zeal should stem from a right relationship with Christ, rather than a mere opposition to others or their beliefs. He warns against measuring one's faith by what they oppose, highlighting that genuine zeal should lead to good works and a loving attitude towards others. The sermon calls for believers to reflect on their motivations and ensure their zeal aligns with the teachings of Jesus.
Misinformed Zeal
By A.W. Tozer0ZealDiscernment in FaithMAT 7:21JHN 4:24ROM 10:21CO 13:1GAL 4:18PHP 3:62TI 3:5TIT 2:14JAS 2:19REV 3:15A.W. Tozer addresses the concept of zeal in the Christian life, emphasizing that while true Christians should exhibit fervent zeal for God, it is possible to be zealous without being genuinely Christian. He critiques the notion that zeal alone is a marker of godliness, pointing out that many zealous individuals or groups, such as Jehovah's Witnesses and other religions, demonstrate fervor but are not aligned with biblical truth. Tozer warns that zeal must be accompanied by sound doctrine and a true relationship with Christ, as mere enthusiasm does not equate to righteousness. He highlights that even those with misguided zeal can be more fervent than true believers, underscoring the need for discernment in evaluating spiritual fervor.
The Jewish World
By Harris Franklin Rall0PSA 51:10ISA 19:24JER 31:31EZK 36:26MIC 6:8ACT 10:22ACT 15:10ROM 10:2Harris Franklin Rall delves into the profound influence of the Jewish world on the development of Christianity, emphasizing how Jesus, the early leaders, and the foundation of Christianity were all deeply rooted in Judaism. He explores the historical context of Palestine during Jesus' time, highlighting the diverse influences and the unique position of the Jews within the Roman world. Rall also discusses the significance of the Diaspora, the dispersion of Jews throughout the empire, in preparing the hearts and minds of Gentiles for the message of Christianity.
They Arise From the Mind's Being Enlightened to Understand or Apprehend Divine Things.
By Jonathan Edwards0PSA 43:3LUK 11:52JHN 6:45ROM 10:21CO 2:142CO 4:6PHP 1:9COL 1:9COL 3:101JN 3:61JN 4:7Jonathan Edwards preaches about how gracious affections arise from the mind being enlightened to understand divine things. Holy affections are not merely emotional but are rooted in spiritual knowledge and understanding of God and Christ. Affections that do not stem from spiritual enlightenment are not genuine. Spiritual understanding is a supernatural discernment of divine things that natural men do not possess, and it primarily involves perceiving the beauty and excellence of God's moral perfection.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
They have a zeal of God - They believe their law to have come immediately from God himself, and are jealous of its glory and excellence; they conscientiously observe its rites and ceremonies, but they do not consider the object and end of those rites; they sin more through ignorance than malice; and this pleads in their excuse. By this fine apology for them, the apostle prepares them for the harsher truths which he was about to deliver.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For I bear them record--or, "witness," as he well could from his own sad experience. that they have a zeal of--"for" God, but not according to knowledge--(Compare Act 22:3; Act 26:9-11; Gal 1:13-14). He alludes to this well-meaning of his people, notwithstanding their spiritual blindness, not certainly to excuse their rejection of Christ and rage against His saints, but as some ground of hope regarding them. (See Ti1 1:13).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For I bear them record, that they have a zeal of God,.... A zeal for God; for the being and unity of God, against the polytheism and idolatry of the Gentiles; for the word of God, the writings of the Old Testament, of which they were zealous defenders and preservers, and which they diligently read and heard explained, and whereby they thought to obtain eternal life; for the law of God, moral and ceremonial, especially for the rituals of the Mosaic economy; for the service and worship of God, they spared no pains, but compassed sea and land to bring in proselytes to their religion; all which the apostle could testify from his own knowledge, and by his own experience, who had been as great a zealot as any of them all. But now whilst the apostle is expressing his strong affection for this people, he is careful to act the faithful part to them, and points out their mistakes, and shows them their faults; which he does in this and the following verse, by observing, that they had a zeal of God indeed, but not according to knowledge: it was not well regulated, it proceeded on mistaken principles, and moved in a wrong way, in persecuting the church of God, in doing things contrary to the name of Christ, in putting to death his ministers and members, thinking that hereby they did God good service; which arose from their ignorance of their Father, and of the Son: though they had a zeal of God, they knew neither God nor Christ aright; they did not know God in Christ, nor Jesus to be the true Messiah; they understood neither law nor Gospel truly, and fancied the Gospel was contrary to the law, and an enemy to it; and therefore in their great zeal opposed it, and the professors of it; they were zealous of the law, and of doing the commands of it, but knew not the true nature, use, and end of the law; as appears by what follows.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
10:2 Zeal denotes a passionate and commendable commitment to God and his purposes (see Num 25:6-13). But in Paul’s day Jewish zeal was misdirected because it failed to understand that Jesus Christ is the pinnacle of God’s plan. (For Paul’s own misdirected zeal before his conversion to Christ, see Acts 9:1-2; Gal 1:13-14.)