Romans 10:13–15
“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” – Romans 10:15
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Verse 13 proclaims one of the most inclusive promises in all of Scripture: everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. The gospel is not limited to a special group. There is no ethnic, social, or moral boundary that can exclude someone who turns to Christ in faith. Paul is echoing Joel 2:32 and affirming what Peter declared on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:21). The Old Testament and apostolic preaching affirm this truth. The message is consistent: the way of salvation is wide open, and it is the same for both Jew and Gentile, through faith in Jesus Christ.
Think of a rescue helicopter hovering over a flood. When the rope is lowered, no one is asked if they are worthy, qualified, or capable. The only question is: will you take hold of it? In the same way, God lowers the rope of salvation in Christ to all who are drowning in sin. The offer is for “everyone,” and the only condition is to call on the name of the Lord. To call on the name of the Lord” means to turn to Jesus in faith, trusting Him alone for salvation, and confessing Him as Lord.
Paul moves from the universal availability of salvation to the chain of mission. He traces the logical chain of salvation: proclamation leads to hearing, hearing to believing, believing to calling, and calling to salvation. If one link is missing, the chain is broken.
This is why missions and evangelism are not optional extras for the church; they are central to God’s plan. The church exists for such mission. Faith does not arise in a vacuum—it comes “by hearing and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). Just like Wi-Fi signals must be broadcast before they can be received, the gospel must be proclaimed before people can respond.
Paul also reminds us that all who proclaim the good news are “sent.” Behind every faithful witness stands the sending God. Jesus Himself is the great Sent One—the Word made flesh who was sent into the world with good news of salvation. In the same way, those who bear witness to Christ today go not in their own authority but are sent in the power of the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit who calls, equips, and sends messengers. Evangelism is a Spirit-enabled mission.
Paul then concludes with a beautiful image: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” In the ancient world, a messenger running with good news of victory was eagerly welcomed, and his feet, dusty and weary, were considered beautiful because of the message he carried. Today, the same is true for those who bring the gospel. It is not about eloquence, charisma, or appearance of the messenger; the beauty lies in the message of Christ crucified and risen, carried by ordinary people like you and me empowered by the Spirit.
Reflection:
1. If the gospel is truly for everyone, who in my life have I been tempted to think is beyond God’s reach—and how might God be calling me to share His love with them?
2. In what ways can I depend more on the Holy Spirit this week as I seek to be a faithful witness?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, I thank You that Your salvation is for everyone who calls on Your name. Thank You for lowering the rope of grace to rescue me in Christ. Forgive me for the times I have kept silent when I should have spoken. Fill me with Your Spirit to be a faithful witness. Make my “feet” beautiful as I carry the good news of Jesus to those around me. May others come to believe, call on your name, and be saved. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Click to read
Verse 13 proclaims one of the most inclusive promises in all of Scripture: everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. The gospel is not limited to a special group. There is no ethnic, social, or moral boundary that can exclude someone who turns to Christ in faith. Paul is echoing Joel 2:32 and affirming what Peter declared on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:21). The Old Testament and apostolic preaching affirm this truth. The message is consistent: the way of salvation is wide open, and it is the same for both Jew and Gentile, through faith in Jesus Christ.
Think of a rescue helicopter hovering over a flood. When the rope is lowered, no one is asked if they are worthy, qualified, or capable. The only question is: will you take hold of it? In the same way, God lowers the rope of salvation in Christ to all who are drowning in sin. The offer is for “everyone,” and the only condition is to call on the name of the Lord. To call on the name of the Lord” means to turn to Jesus in faith, trusting Him alone for salvation, and confessing Him as Lord.
Paul moves from the universal availability of salvation to the chain of mission. He traces the logical chain of salvation: proclamation leads to hearing, hearing to believing, believing to calling, and calling to salvation. If one link is missing, the chain is broken.
This is why missions and evangelism are not optional extras for the church; they are central to God’s plan. The church exists for such mission. Faith does not arise in a vacuum—it comes “by hearing and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). Just like Wi-Fi signals must be broadcast before they can be received, the gospel must be proclaimed before people can respond.
Paul also reminds us that all who proclaim the good news are “sent.” Behind every faithful witness stands the sending God. Jesus Himself is the great Sent One—the Word made flesh who was sent into the world with good news of salvation. In the same way, those who bear witness to Christ today go not in their own authority but are sent in the power of the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit who calls, equips, and sends messengers. Evangelism is a Spirit-enabled mission.
Paul then concludes with a beautiful image: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” In the ancient world, a messenger running with good news of victory was eagerly welcomed, and his feet, dusty and weary, were considered beautiful because of the message he carried. Today, the same is true for those who bring the gospel. It is not about eloquence, charisma, or appearance of the messenger; the beauty lies in the message of Christ crucified and risen, carried by ordinary people like you and me empowered by the Spirit.
Reflection:
1. If the gospel is truly for everyone, who in my life have I been tempted to think is beyond God’s reach—and how might God be calling me to share His love with them?
2. In what ways can I depend more on the Holy Spirit this week as I seek to be a faithful witness?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, I thank You that Your salvation is for everyone who calls on Your name. Thank You for lowering the rope of grace to rescue me in Christ. Forgive me for the times I have kept silent when I should have spoken. Fill me with Your Spirit to be a faithful witness. Make my “feet” beautiful as I carry the good news of Jesus to those around me. May others come to believe, call on your name, and be saved. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.