Romans 10:1-4

¹ “Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation. ² For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. ³ For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. ⁴ For Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”

Verse 1: Paul expresses his deep concern and heartfelt desire for the salvation of his fellow Israelites. He longs for them to come to know and experience the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ.

Verse 2: Paul acknowledges that the Israelites have a zeal for God, but he also recognizes that their zeal is not grounded in true knowledge and understanding. Despite their religious fervor, they have not grasped the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ.

Verse 3: The Israelites, lacking knowledge of God’s righteousness, sought to establish their own righteousness through their adherence to the law. However, in doing so, they failed to submit to God’s righteousness, which is received through faith in Jesus Christ. Their self-reliance and legalistic approach hindered them from embracing the true path of salvation.

Verse 4: Paul reveals the central truth that Christ is the fulfillment and culmination of the law. He is the ultimate goal and purpose of the law, bringing righteousness to all who believe in him. It is through faith in Christ, not through works of the law, that true righteousness is obtained.