Romans 10:17
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
English Standard Version (ESV)
All verses
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Romans 10:17
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
It’s easy to read this verse as simply stating that faith comes from hearing a sermon. But notice the nuance: hearing is brought about by the “word of Christ,” which can mean not just the message itself, but Christ’s authority and command behind its proclamation. This highlights that faith isn't just passive reception; it's a response to a divine mandate delivered through human messengers.
Paul is building a case for how salvation reaches people, showing a chain from belief to calling on God. He's just argued that to call on God, people must believe, and to believe, they must hear about Christ. This verse concludes that chain by explaining the source and necessity of hearing the message that sparks faith.
Ever wonder how faith even starts? Is it something we conjure up, or does it arrive through another means? This verse gives us a powerful clue.
The Apostle Paul lays out a clear chain here: Faith doesn't just appear out of nowhere. It originates from hearing. And what are we hearing? Specifically, the 'word of Christ.' This emphasizes that our belief system is built upon the truth revealed by Jesus and proclaimed by His messengers. It's not about abstract ideas, but a specific message about Christ that gets communicated.
If faith comes by hearing, then how do we get to hear? Is it just random chance, or is there a divine order to it? This verse points to a crucial originating command.
The passage clarifies that the hearing itself is initiated through the word of Christ. While some ancient texts read 'word of God,' many scholars lean toward 'word of Christ' as Paul's intent, underscoring the authority and command behind the message. This means the preaching and hearing of the gospel isn't arbitrary. It stems from Christ's commission to His followers to spread His message. This highlights the intentionality of God in ensuring His word is proclaimed.
Understand the original words
pistis · Greek Noun
A firm conviction, trust, or reliance on God and His promises. In the New Testament, it is the fundamental response to the gospel and the means by which one is justified before God.
rhēma · Greek Noun
The message, decree, or revelation of God. In this context, it specifically refers to the proclamation of the message concerning Christ, which serves as the content of faith.
This verse connects the timeless truth of how faith is generated with the specific historical context of the early church's mission to spread the Gospel, a mission commissioned by Christ himself.
c. 700 BC
Isaiah Prophesies
The prophet Isaiah delivers messages of judgment and hope to the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, foretelling a coming Messiah and the spread of God's word.
c. 550 BC
Exile and Return
The Babylonian exile occurs, followed by the return of some Jews to Jerusalem. This period shapes their understanding of God's promises and the importance of His word.
c. 4 BC - c. AD 30/33
Ministry of Jesus
Jesus Christ lives, teaches, performs miracles, and proclaims the Gospel, fulfilling prophecies and laying the foundation for the Christian faith.
c. AD 30-33
Resurrection and Ascension
Jesus is resurrected from the dead and ascends to heaven, empowering his followers through the Holy Spirit to spread his message.
c. AD 30s - AD 50s
This passage describes God's promise to raise up prophets like Moses, emphasizing that His words would be put into their mouths, directly linking divine speech to human proclamation.
Isaiah 55:10-11Here, God's word is compared to rain and snow that never return without producing fruit, powerfully illustrating how His spoken word is inherently effective and meant to bring forth spiritual results, just as hearing the word brings faith.
John 1:1This foundational verse states that 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God,' establishing Jesus (the Word) as the divine source through whom all understanding and faith come.
Acts 4:4This verse shows that many believed after hearing Peter and John preach, demonstrating the immediate and powerful effect of hearing the apostolic message, which directly links to faith coming through hearing.
Hebrews 4:12The Bible itself describes the word of God as 'living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword,' highlighting its power to penetrate and transform, which is essential for faith to take root.
vincentRomans 10:17: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
By hearing (ἐξ ἀκοῆς)The same word as report, above, and in the same sense, that which is heard.Word of God (ῥήματος Θεοῦ)The best texts read of Christ. Probably not the Gospel, but Christ's word of command or commission to its preachers; thus taking up except they be sent (Romans 10:15), and emphasizing the authority of the message. Belief comes through the message, and the message through the command of Chr…
cambridgeRomans 10:17: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
17 . So then faith , &c.] In this verse, which forms a parenthesis of thought, St Paul uses the quotation just made in a new reference; not now to the fact of unbelief , but to the means of faith . Isaiah’s words imply that the “report” of Messiah’s messengers was the appointed means for the conveyance of faith (“who hath believed? ”) in Messiah. But this faith was (see above, Romans 10:11 ,) for Gentiles as well a…
It’s easy to read this verse as simply stating that faith comes from hearing a sermon. But notice the nuance: hearing is brought about by the “word of Christ,” which can mean not just the message itself, but Christ’s authority and command behind its proclamation. This highlights that faith isn't just passive reception; it's a response to a divine mandate delivered through human messengers.
Paul is building a case for how salvation reaches people, showing a chain from belief to calling on God. He's just argued that to call on God, people must believe, and to believe, they must hear about Christ. This verse concludes that chain by explaining the source and necessity of hearing the message that sparks faith.
Paul is building a case for how salvation reaches people, showing a chain from belief to calling on God. He's just argued that to call on God, people must believe, and to believe, they must hear about Christ. This verse concludes that chain by explaining the source and necessity of hearing the message that sparks faith.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Romans 10:17 is available in the Sola app.
Early Church Expansion
The apostles and early Christians, empowered by the Holy Spirit, begin to preach the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles throughout the Roman Empire.
c. AD 57— this verse
Paul Writes Romans
The Apostle Paul writes his letter to the church in Rome, explaining the Gospel and addressing key theological issues concerning Jews and Gentiles.
"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." — It’s easy to read this verse as simply stating that faith comes from hearing a sermon. But notice the nuance: hearing is brought about by the “word of Christ,” which can mean not just the message its…