Romans 10:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.

NIV: For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,

NASB: For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him;

CSB: since there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, because the same Lord of all richly blesses all who call on him.

NLT: Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him.

KJV: For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

NKJV: For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.

Paul has made clear throughout Romans that the only way to be declared righteous by God is through belief—through faith in Christ. He has written so again in the previous verse, quoting Isaiah 28:16 to show that everyone who believes in Christ will not be put to shame. That is, all believers in Jesus will be vindicated in the end. Paul noted that the Scriptures clearly stated that everyone who believed would be so protected.

Now Paul clarifies that by "everyone," he truly does mean everyone. For Israelites, the world was ever and always divided into two categories: Jews and Gentiles. Those on the "inside" with God, and those on the "outside." Paul has expressed his profound grief that so many Israelites still cling to this false idea (Romans 9:1), applying it in ways which God never intended. Paul has declared his ongoing prayer that his own people the Jews will be saved (Romans 10:1).

Now he writes forcefully once more that there remains absolutely no distinction between Jews and Gentiles—using the term "Greeks" here—when it comes to being declared righteous by God through faith in Christ. After all, the same Lord is Lord of all people. By Lord, Paul is referring to Jesus, the Christ. He rules over all people, both Jews and Gentiles. In fact, the Lord gives His riches to all who call on Him. Paul wrote something similar in Romans 3:29–30.

Implied in Paul's statement is the idea that Christ is listening, that He will receive anyone who calls on Him in faith, no matter their nation or the circumstances of their birth. He is not reserving salvation only for those who are part of a certain heritage.

Romans 10:5–13 explores how Israel's people have, for the most part, rejected God by refusing to trust in Christ. Instead of waiting for some new truth to fall from heaven, or float up from the abyss, they ought to recognize that truth has already been given. All who confess Christ as Lord, and believe in His resurrection, will be saved. This is true for both Jews and Gentiles.

Paul's heart is broken for his people, Israel. He prays they will be saved through faith in Christ. Their enthusiasm for God is made useless by their attempt to be made righteous by their own law-keeping instead of by faith in Christ. What, then, is required to be saved? One must confess that Jesus is Lord and believe that God raised Him from the dead. The same is true for both Jews and Gentiles. God waits patiently for Israel to turn and believe.

Romans 9 concluded with Paul's declaration that Israel has stumbled over the stumbling stone of Christ. Romans 10 describes Paul's heartfelt prayer that Israel would be saved, despite her commitment to saving herself through works. Why have the Israelites not confessed the Lordship of Jesus and believed in the resurrection? It's not for lack of hearing and understanding; they are disobeying the gospel. Paul will insist, though, in the following chapter, that God has not rejected Israel. He still holds out His hands to her, offering salvation through faith in Christ.

The book of Romans is the New Testament's longest, most structured, and most detailed description of Christian theology. Paul lays out the core of the gospel message: salvation by grace alone through faith alone. His intent is to explain the good news of Jesus Christ in accurate and clear terms. As part of this effort, Paul addresses the conflicts between law and grace, between Jews and Gentiles, and between sin and righteousness. As is common in his writing, Paul closes out his letter with a series of practical applications.