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Romans 10:20
Verse
Context
The Word Brings Salvation
19I ask instead, did Israel not understand? First, Moses says: “I will make you jealous by those who are not a nation; I will make you angry by a nation without understanding.” 20And Isaiah boldly says: “I was found by those who did not seek Me; I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me.”
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But Esaias (the Greek orthography for Isaiah) is very bold - Speaks out in the fullest manner and plainest language, Isa 65:1, notwithstanding the danger to which such a declaration exposed him, among a crooked, perverse, and dangerous people: I was found of them that sought me not; I put my salvation in the way of those (the Gentiles) who were not seeking for it, and knew nothing of it: thus, the Gentiles which followed not after righteousness have attained to the law of righteousness, Rom 9:30, and they have found that redemption which the Jews have rejected.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But Esaias is very bold, and saith--that is, is still plainer, and goes even the length of saying. I was found of them that sought me not--until I sought them. I was made--"became" manifest unto them that asked not after me--until the invitation from Me came to them. That the calling of the Gentiles was meant by these words of the prophet (Isa 65:1) is manifest from what immediately follows, "I said, Behold Me, behold Me, unto a nation that was not called by My name."
John Gill Bible Commentary
But Esaias is very bold, and saith,.... The apostle here produces another testimony in proof of this, that the Israelites must needs have some knowledge of this truth, the calling of the Gentiles; since a famous prophet of theirs, Isaiah, also spake out with great freedom; he did not mince the matter, or cover it with dark sayings, but with all plainness and perspicuity, and with great courage and intrepidity declared it; though he knew he run the risk, not only of his fame and credit among the Jews, but of his life also, for so doing: the citation is made from Isa 65:1. I was found of them that sought me not, I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me; here also the Gentiles are meant by "them that sought me not, and asked not after me"; the Messiah; and so R. Moses the priest says (n), that these words are to be understood, , "concerning the nations of the world". The common people among them sought after the things of the world; their philosophers sought after the wisdom of it; and the more devout and religious among them sought the observance of superstitious rites and ceremonies, and, at best and most, a little morality and external righteousness; but none sought after Christ, for they knew nothing of him, and therefore did not so much as ask after him; they did not ask counsel of him, nor ask concerning him, nor ask for him; not for his coming into the world, as the Jews did, nor for the preaching of the Gospel among them, for it came among them unasked for, unexpected, and undesired, as well as undeserved by them, nor for any blessing of his; and yet such was his grace and goodness, that he was "found" of these persons, in the preaching of the Gospel; which by his kind providence was brought among them, and they were brought under the hearing of it; and by the Spirit of God directed to him in it, in whom they found life, peace, pardon, righteousness, food, and rest, and every valuable blessing; a pearl of great price they found, a finding which can never be lost: he is also said to be "made manifest" unto them, not in the flesh, but in the ministry of the word; in which his person, blood, righteousness, and sacrifice, are evidently set forth, and clearly manifested; and besides the outward manifestation of Christ to them by the Gospel, they had no internal revelation of him in their hearts by his Spirit, setting forth to them his grace and fulness, and showing them their interest therein: from this prophecy, also, the Jews could not but have some knowledge of this mystery of grace. (n) In Aben Ezra in Isa. lxv. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
10:20 This quotation is from Isa 65:1. In Isaiah, the words people who were not looking for me refer to the people of Israel. As in Rom 9:25-26, Paul applies them to the Gentiles to show that God has opened the way for them to be a part of the people of God.
Romans 10:20
The Word Brings Salvation
19I ask instead, did Israel not understand? First, Moses says: “I will make you jealous by those who are not a nation; I will make you angry by a nation without understanding.” 20And Isaiah boldly says: “I was found by those who did not seek Me; I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Life and Times of Isaiah
By Steve Gallagher82747:40IsaiahISA 40:3ISA 41:3ISA 42:1ISA 52:7ISA 53:1ISA 53:4ISA 53:7ISA 61:1ISA 65:1MAT 3:3MAT 8:17MAT 12:17MRK 1:2LUK 3:4LUK 4:17JHN 1:23JHN 12:38ACT 8:28ROM 10:15ROM 10:20In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Isaiah and its structure. The book is divided into several sections, each with a different focus. The first section denounces Judah, while the second section denounces other nations. The third section, known as Isaiah's Apocalypse, is a fascinating part of the scripture. The speaker also mentions that the book is chronological, starting from chapter one and progressing through the events in order.
God's Righteousness
By Zac Poonen1ISA 64:6LUK 18:9ROM 10:3ROM 10:20HEB 12:2Zac Poonen preaches about the danger of pursuing righteousness with human zeal, leading to self-righteousness and arrogance. He emphasizes that our own efforts to be righteous are like filthy rags in God's eyes and must be discarded. Poonen highlights the importance of humility as the true test of righteousness, contrasting self-righteousness with God's sanctification that comes from partaking in His nature. He stresses that salvation is entirely from God, from the declaration of righteousness through faith in Christ to the sanctification and empowerment by God's grace.
The Head of the Body, the Assembly" (1)
By H.J. Vine0JHN 6:40ROM 10:20EPH 4:15COL 1:18COL 2:10H.J. Vine preaches on the importance of recognizing and praising the Head of the church, Jesus Christ, rather than focusing solely on the activities of the church. Believers are saved by grace, justified by faith, and sealed by the Spirit, finding rest and peace in Christ's finished work. Colossians 1:18 emphasizes that Jesus, the Son of God, is the Head of the body, the assembly, holding pre-eminence in all things and bringing reconciliation and fullness to believers.
The Pearl of Great Price
By Thomas Bradbury0ISA 65:1MAT 13:45JHN 17:6ACT 20:28ROM 10:20GAL 2:20HEB 2:14Thomas Bradbury preaches on the parable of the Merchantman seeking goodly pearls, emphasizing the deep spiritual truths hidden in the Scriptures. He highlights the seeking nature of God throughout the Bible, from seeking Adam and Eve in the garden to seeking and saving His lost sheep, silver, and sons. The Merchantman represents Christ, who finds His Church, the one pearl of great price, in the depths of human depravity and corruption, and willingly sells all He has to purchase and redeem His beloved bride.
To Provoke Them to Jealousy
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0ISA 61:2JOL 3:1MAT 25:31LUK 4:19ROM 9:25ROM 10:20ROM 11:11EPH 3:1Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the profound truth that salvation came to the Gentiles through the fall of Israel, not as a final rejection but to provoke them to jealousy. This divine plan of extending salvation to the nations was foretold in the Old Testament and revealed through Paul, emphasizing God's mercy and wisdom. The apostasy of Israel and the call of the Gentiles were prophesied, showing God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. The Gentiles were to provoke Israel to jealousy by receiving blessings in Christ, leading to the salvation of some of them. Despite historical persecution, there is hope for Israel's future acceptance and salvation.
God Securing His Inheritance
By A.W. Pink0God's PursuitDivine PreservationDEU 32:10PSA 37:23PSA 138:8JHN 6:44JHN 14:6JHN 16:13JHN 17:3ROM 10:201PE 1:51JN 2:20A.W. Pink emphasizes God's relentless pursuit of His people, illustrating how He finds, leads, instructs, and preserves them as His cherished inheritance. He highlights that God actively seeks out those who are lost, revealing His love and grace in the process. Pink explains that once found, God leads His people through life, teaching them His truths and guiding them with His Spirit. He reassures believers of God's unwavering commitment to preserve them, regardless of their failures or circumstances. Ultimately, Pink calls for gratitude towards God for His faithful and protective nature.
Shewing That the Messiah Was Promised to Abraham, and What Advantages the Nations of the World Were to Receive by Him.
By John Gill0MessiahUniversal SalvationGEN 22:18ISA 49:6JER 31:34MAT 1:1JHN 3:16ACT 10:43ROM 10:20GAL 3:8EPH 2:17HEB 2:16John Gill emphasizes that the Messiah was promised to Abraham, highlighting that through Abraham's seed, all nations would be blessed. He explains that this seed refers specifically to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the prophecy by offering redemption, justification, and peace to both Jews and Gentiles. Gill argues against the notion that the blessings were limited to the Israelites, asserting that the Messiah's coming was intended for the salvation of all people. He outlines the various advantages the nations would receive, including the outpouring of the Spirit and the abundance of knowledge. Ultimately, the sermon underscores the universal significance of the Messiah in God's plan for humanity.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But Esaias (the Greek orthography for Isaiah) is very bold - Speaks out in the fullest manner and plainest language, Isa 65:1, notwithstanding the danger to which such a declaration exposed him, among a crooked, perverse, and dangerous people: I was found of them that sought me not; I put my salvation in the way of those (the Gentiles) who were not seeking for it, and knew nothing of it: thus, the Gentiles which followed not after righteousness have attained to the law of righteousness, Rom 9:30, and they have found that redemption which the Jews have rejected.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But Esaias is very bold, and saith--that is, is still plainer, and goes even the length of saying. I was found of them that sought me not--until I sought them. I was made--"became" manifest unto them that asked not after me--until the invitation from Me came to them. That the calling of the Gentiles was meant by these words of the prophet (Isa 65:1) is manifest from what immediately follows, "I said, Behold Me, behold Me, unto a nation that was not called by My name."
John Gill Bible Commentary
But Esaias is very bold, and saith,.... The apostle here produces another testimony in proof of this, that the Israelites must needs have some knowledge of this truth, the calling of the Gentiles; since a famous prophet of theirs, Isaiah, also spake out with great freedom; he did not mince the matter, or cover it with dark sayings, but with all plainness and perspicuity, and with great courage and intrepidity declared it; though he knew he run the risk, not only of his fame and credit among the Jews, but of his life also, for so doing: the citation is made from Isa 65:1. I was found of them that sought me not, I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me; here also the Gentiles are meant by "them that sought me not, and asked not after me"; the Messiah; and so R. Moses the priest says (n), that these words are to be understood, , "concerning the nations of the world". The common people among them sought after the things of the world; their philosophers sought after the wisdom of it; and the more devout and religious among them sought the observance of superstitious rites and ceremonies, and, at best and most, a little morality and external righteousness; but none sought after Christ, for they knew nothing of him, and therefore did not so much as ask after him; they did not ask counsel of him, nor ask concerning him, nor ask for him; not for his coming into the world, as the Jews did, nor for the preaching of the Gospel among them, for it came among them unasked for, unexpected, and undesired, as well as undeserved by them, nor for any blessing of his; and yet such was his grace and goodness, that he was "found" of these persons, in the preaching of the Gospel; which by his kind providence was brought among them, and they were brought under the hearing of it; and by the Spirit of God directed to him in it, in whom they found life, peace, pardon, righteousness, food, and rest, and every valuable blessing; a pearl of great price they found, a finding which can never be lost: he is also said to be "made manifest" unto them, not in the flesh, but in the ministry of the word; in which his person, blood, righteousness, and sacrifice, are evidently set forth, and clearly manifested; and besides the outward manifestation of Christ to them by the Gospel, they had no internal revelation of him in their hearts by his Spirit, setting forth to them his grace and fulness, and showing them their interest therein: from this prophecy, also, the Jews could not but have some knowledge of this mystery of grace. (n) In Aben Ezra in Isa. lxv. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
10:20 This quotation is from Isa 65:1. In Isaiah, the words people who were not looking for me refer to the people of Israel. As in Rom 9:25-26, Paul applies them to the Gentiles to show that God has opened the way for them to be a part of the people of God.