Reading Romans 10 without verses 8-12

[mikesw]

I have an understanding of Romans 9-11 as a continuous argument of God's faithfulness, especially to fulfill the promises to Israel. But one obstacle to overcome when reading chapter 10 is 10:8-12. The reason I speak of this as an obstacle is that those verses are so powerful they obscure the broader context.
Has anyone tried reading around these verses to help understand the context? Does anyone want to try that now and then note if they can see the context better?

 

[TomL]

I have an understanding of Romans 9-11 as a continuous argument of God's faithfulness, especially to fulfill the promises to Israel. But one obstacle to overcome when reading chapter 10 is 10:8-12. The reason I speak of this as an obstacle is that those verses are so powerful they obscure the broader context.
Has anyone tried reading around these verses to help understand the context? Does anyone want to try that now and then note if they can see the context better?

I think it goes well with Rom 9:30-33

 

[mikesw]

I think it goes well with Rom 9:30-33

I am recommending the opposite task. Figure out the continuity between the preceding verses and subsequent ones to the passage. After omitting consideration of vv 8-12, their contribution can be blended back. I'm just seeing if this helps anyone read Rom 10 differently.

 

[TomL]

I am recommending the opposite task. Figure out the continuity between the preceding verses and subsequent ones to the passage. After omitting consideration of vv 8-12, their contribution can be blended back. I'm just seeing if this helps anyone read Rom 10 differently.

As Rom 9:30-33 is a summary statement concerning Rom 9 I do not see any such need as Rom 10:10ff is quite consistent with it

 

[mikesw]

As Rom 9:30-33 is a summary statement concerning Rom 9 I do not see any such need as Rom 10:10ff is quite consistent with it

I have now posted my 2008 outline of Rom 9-11. I think it is pretty close to the ideas I hold now, but the wording might be changed to update (or enhance) the concepts and show some continuing applicability of the message.
The Romans 9-11 thread is at this link: #link outline-of-central-message-in-romans-9-11.2079/post-117992

I've not reviewed whether this outline would counter anything you have said about Rom 10

 

[TomL]

I have now posted my 2008 outline of Rom 9-11. I think it is pretty close to the ideas I hold now, but the wording might be changed to update (or enhance) the concepts and show some continuing applicability of the message.
The Romans 9-11 thread is at this link: #link outline-of-central-message-in-romans-9-11.2079/post-117992

I've not reviewed whether this outline would counter anything you have said about Rom 10

Ok

 

[mikesw]

I was going to add to TomL's thread on Rom 10:10-13 but his topic concerns to whom Lord refers. I want to introduce the context and meaning behind these verses. This context is readily missed because verses 8-13 stand out and take dominance in our minds such that the purpose of sharing this passage readily gets missed (and might contribute to the failure to see a primary argument being made about God having been faithful to his promises to Israel despite only a remnant that ultimately got justified).

The essential correction needed for modern readers is that this text is not a formula how to get saved. Paul provides this more as an overview to Christians as to how this salvific change happens but the specific use of these verses will be shared. This assessment of the passage does not negate the potential of sharing this passage with someone who has heard what Christ has done for them. So the use in evangelism is not quite the issue here.

The message of Rom 10:8-13 essentially concerns the closeness of justification and salvation to the first-century Israel people. The passage occurs within Paul's plea to the gentiles to have a benevolent attitude toward Jews and to find the Israel people included as those who can be justified in Christ. Paul incorporates Deut 30:11-14 which would reflect the early beckoning to Israel to return to God especially in future events, since they were seen as facing difficulties in following God even in that era. Paul even adapts or accentuates the message to Israel contextualized to Christ's arrival. This can emphasize to the gentiles that Jews are the originally revealed recipients of the eventual arrival of the Savior.
Anyhow, Paul shares his concern for them in verse 1 and vv 14-20 show that God was faithful in sending them the gospel so they would have a chance to hear and be saved. As prophesied, they remained obstinate. It was not by lack of outreach by God though. Likewise, the gentiles were not to give up on seeing Israel people saved despite the low response. Paul wanted to reach any and all who would come ahead of the end of Jerusalem.
The point this is to recognize the purpose for Paul sharing Rom 10:8-13 was as part of the message to keep the gentiles inclusive of the Israel people -- of avoiding giving the gospel a bad reputation to Israel.