Romans 10:1-21
…they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. (vv. 2-3) Here Paul is speaking of the Jews, and while he seemingly lauds their zeal, he also points out that their zeal is misplaced. Carol and I have been watching “The Chosen” – catching up, episode by episode. Two days ago we watched an episode where Jesus heals a cripple by the Pool of Bethesda. With that healing Jesus says to the man, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” (John 5:8) In the show the Pharisees are standing by and yell at the man for carrying his bedding, which they say is forbidden by the Torah (doing work on the Sabbath). The man who had just been healed by Jesus is confused by this chastisement and looks to Jesus’ followers for direction. The disciples then say that the Pharisees’ order is not in the Torah, but it’s one of the rules from their teachers’ writings. Watching that show made a clear distinction for Carol and me as to the Law and the Pharisees’ interpretations of the Law. In today’s reading Paul seems to be saying the same thing when he writes, “…seeking to establish their own”. Their righteousness was obtained by works, not by faith.
We have more Old Testament passages quoted by Paul in this second half of Romans than anywhere else in his writings. It again amazes me that he calls out these particular verses and applies them as support for the particular context in which he was writing. Just today he quotes from Deuteronomy, Psalms, Isaiah, Joel, and Nahum. Yesterday’s quotes added Genesis, Exodus, Malachi, and Hosea to this list; tomorrow we’ll add Jeremiah and Job. Impressive!
See also: June 28 / Romans 9:30-10:13; June 29 / Romans 10:14-21
Yes, so many OT references. Paul was quite learned. But to be clear to others, he is usually pretty direct, though his sentence structure runs around.
In this chapter and others, I find it helpful to substitute “trust” for “belief”. Too often, belief connotes head knowledge, rather than active trust and the heart. Paul does say “believe with the heart” in v. 10, but I think this can get overlooked. Pretty important difference. I agree, only God sees the heart, so we best not judge others. This one is for me to remember.