Romans 10:13
For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Romans 10:13
For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse powerfully reveals that salvation isn't some exclusive club; it's a gift for anyone who reaches out to the Lord. It takes a common Old Testament promise and directly applies it to Jesus, showing that calling on "the Lord" in this context means calling on Jesus himself, highlighting His divine authority and the universality of His saving grace.
Paul is building a powerful case for the inclusivity of God's salvation, first by showing there's no distinction between Jew and Gentile in God's eyes. He's about to explain how people can call on God if they haven't heard about Him, but first, he uses this verse from Joel to confirm that anyone, regardless of background, who genuinely calls on the Lord will indeed be saved.
The verse promises salvation to anyone who calls on the name of the Lord. But who is this 'Lord'?
Paul quotes from the prophet Joel (Joel 2:32), a passage that speaks of God's deliverance. However, Paul, and the New Testament writers generally, apply these Old Testament words about 'the Lord' directly to Jesus Christ.
Jesus is Lord
This isn't a small detail! It means that when the Old Testament spoke of calling on Yahweh (the covenant name of God), the New Testament sees that same divine action being fulfilled in calling on Jesus.
This connection is vital: it shows Jesus is not merely a prophet or a good teacher, but God Himself, worthy of our trust and our calls for salvation.
The word 'whosoever' might sound simple, but it carries immense weight in Paul's argument. What does this word truly unlock?
Paul uses the word 'whosoever' intentionally. It's not just a casual mention; it's a powerful declaration that breaks down barriers.
Beyond Borders
In the context of Romans, Paul is passionately arguing that salvation through faith in Jesus is not just for Jews, but for Gentiles too. The idea that 'there is no distinction between Jew and Greek' (Romans 10:12) is solidified by this verse.
This is the heart of the gospel: an unconditional, open invitation to all of humanity, made possible by God's boundless mercy.
Understand the original words
sōthēsetai · Greek Verb
The state of being delivered from the penalty, power, and ultimately the presence of sin, through the grace of God and faith in Jesus Christ.
onoma · Greek Noun
The person and character of God as revealed to His people; invoking this name is an act of recognizing His identity and authority as Savior.
This verse, drawn from the prophet Joel and applied by Peter at Pentecost, underscores the universal availability of salvation through Jesus Christ, a key theme Paul emphasizes in Romans to counter any notion of ethnic or religious exclusivity in God's plan.
c. 8th century BC
Prophet Joel's Vision of Judgment and Hope
The prophet Joel delivers a message of impending judgment upon Israel but also offers a vision of future restoration and hope, including a promise of salvation for those who call upon the Lord.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry, Crucifixion, and Resurrection
Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity, lives, teaches, dies, and is resurrected, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies.
c. AD 33
The Day of Pentecost
The Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus' followers in Jerusalem, empowering them to preach the gospel. Peter quotes Joel 2:32 directly, applying it to salvation through Jesus.
c. AD 57— this verse
Paul Writes the Letter to the Romans
The Apostle Paul, while in Corinth, writes his letter to the church in Rome, articulating his gospel message and its implications for both Jews and Gentiles.
This is the original Old Testament prophecy that Paul is quoting, showing the promise of salvation through calling on the Lord extends from ancient times into the New Covenant.
Acts 2:21Peter uses this same promise from Joel when explaining God's salvation available through Jesus, demonstrating its application to believers in the early church.
Psalm 20:1This psalm speaks of calling on 'the name of the God of Jacob' for deliverance, illustrating the ancient practice of invoking God's name as a plea for help and protection.
1 Corinthians 1:2Paul uses this same phrase 'call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ' to describe the identity of believers, underscoring that calling on Jesus is fundamental to Christian fellowship.
barnesRomans 10:13: "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
For whosoever shall call ... - This sentiment is found substantially in Joel 2:32 , "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered." This is expressly applied to the times of the gospel, by Peter, in Acts 2:21 ; see the note on that place. To call on the name of the Lord is the same as to call on the Lord himself. The word "name" is often used in this manner. "The…
cambridgeRomans 10:13: "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
13 . For whosoever , &c.] “ Whosoever ” refers back to “all” in Romans 10:12 . St Paul here quotes (almost verbatim with LXX.) Joel 2:32 ; (Heb., 4:5;) where the whole prediction is distinctly Messianic, and includes a reference to “the remnant whom the Lord calleth.” See Acts 2:21 for a closely parallel use by St Peter of that passage.
This verse powerfully reveals that salvation isn't some exclusive club; it's a gift for anyone who reaches out to the Lord. It takes a common Old Testament promise and directly applies it to Jesus, showing that calling on "the Lord" in this context means calling on Jesus himself, highlighting His divine authority and the universality of His saving grace.
Paul is building a powerful case for the inclusivity of God's salvation, first by showing there's no distinction between Jew and Gentile in God's eyes. He's about to explain how people can call on God if they haven't heard about Him, but first, he uses this verse from Joel to confirm that anyone, regardless of background, who genuinely calls on the Lord will indeed be saved.
Paul is building a powerful case for the inclusivity of God's salvation, first by showing there's no distinction between Jew and Gentile in God's eyes. He's about to explain how people can call on God if they haven't heard about Him, but first, he uses this verse from Joel to confirm that anyone, regardless of background, who genuinely calls on the Lord will indeed be saved.
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"For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”" — This verse powerfully reveals that salvation isn't some exclusive club; it's a gift for anyone who reaches out to the Lord. It takes a common Old Testament promise and directly applies it to Jesus,…