"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God"
(Romans 10:17 NKJV)

obedient faith comes from the hearing (and reading) of God's word

It would be unusual to start a conversation with the words “So then.” In Romans 10 these words connect with the previous context: Israel was expected to believe God’s prophets and were re-buked for their unbelief (see Romans 10:16-21). Our faith also comes by hearing God’s word. If we quit listening, we will all just as Israel did.

Prophets spoke to Israel, but their message originated with God Himself. To reject their message is to reject God. “But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, ‘LORD, who has believed our report?’” The same standard applies to us. To reject the gospel is to reject God. (Most versions end verse 17 with the word “Christ.” Christ spoke through the prophets, 1 Peter 1:11. Whether the reading is God or Christ, the principle is the same.)

1. In Romans, faith first occurs in 1:5 where it links with obedience. Romans 10:16 gives the same standard: hear and obey.
2. Faith comes by hearing, which includes reading: John 20:30-31. John wrote that we may believe. Though we cannot hear the actual voice of Christ or the apostles; we do hear their written words (Acts 3:22, “Him you shall hear in all things…”).
3. Faith is for all, Jew and Gentile alike (Ro.1:16-17).
4. Since faith is synonymous with obedience (Ro.10:16), to reject the gospel is to reject faith in the Lord Himself.

– Rick Duggin