But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you. But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people. Romans 10:16-21

The Apostle Paul, once again turns his focus back on Israel. As Paul states “But they (Israel) have not all obeyed the gospel” So obviously the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, has been preached throughout Israel, yet many have rejected Christ. In fact, as the Apostle Peter states ““Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” (Acts 2:36) Peter reveals to Israel, Jesus whom they killed was actually The Messiah and Our Lord in the flesh. Now thousands were convicted of their sin, repent and put their faith in Jesus, and were also filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2) However the majority of them, hardened their hearts and rejected the gospel

The Prophet Isaiah fortold alll of this would happen, just as He foretold by the Holy Spirit, the whole life of Jesus Christ. Its amazing to think the prophet Isaiah fortold about the Messiah, through the Virgin Birth (Isaiah 7) that the Son would be “Mighty God” (Isaiah 9:6) and the Messiah would die for our sins (Isaiah 53) despite all of this, many have rejected the gospel of Jesus Christ

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing the Word of God (v17) Again as the Apostle Paul stated previously “How will they hear without a preacher” (v14) We don’t know how people will respond to the gospel message of Christ, however its our responsibility to share the gospel of Christ. Many in Israel have rejected the gospel, and even today many still reject salvation through Jesus, however there is always a remnant of God (Romans 11:4) God still has an elect group that will receive the gospel of Jesus Christ, however they need to hear the gospel, faith comes by hearing the Word of God!

Then the Apostle Paul quotes Moses regarding the relationship between Israel and the Church, “But I say, did Israel not know, First Moses says I will provoke you (Israel) to jealousy by those (Gentiles) who are not a nation” Salvation of the Gentiles is driving Israel to jealousy, as they have rejected Their Lord and God, Amen!