Romans 10:14-21
14 “How then are they to call on Him in whom they have not believed? How are they to believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher? 15 But how are they to preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who [j]bring good news of good things!” 16 However, they did not all heed the [k]good news; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?”17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word [l]of Christ. 18 But I say, surely they have never heard, have they? On the contrary:
“Their voice has gone out into all the earth,
And their words to the ends of the [m]world.”
19 But I say, surely Israel did not know, did they? First Moses says,
“I will make you jealous with those who are not a nation,
With a foolish nation I will anger you.”
20 And Isaiah is very bold and says,
“I was found by those who did not seek Me,
I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me.”
21 But as for Israel, He says, “I have spread out My hands all day long to a disobedient and obstinate people.”
Paul does not leave room for any individualistic view of election. Preachers and messengers are needed because God is not electing individuals. Instead, God is inviting all to believe in Him (Romans 10:13).
They did not all heed: Paul clearly sees God making an offer of salvation to people, not forcing salvation as more Calvinist/Reformed theology suggests. There is an offer which can be rejected (see also Hebrews 3:15).
I will make you jealous: God intended to incite Israel to jealousy so that they would believe in Him. We see this in the promise made to Abraham that he would become the father of many nations, not just Israel (Genesis 17:5).
Who did not ask for me: Paul is criticizing Israel for rejecting their Messiah. In doing so, he is reiterating God’s plan of election. God has chosen those who did not ask for Him and those who did not seek Him. Gentiles never had a covenant with God until the New Covenant made in Christ (see Ephesians 2:12).
