1Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God concerning them Other mss read God for Israel is for their salvation!

2I can testify about them that they have zeal for God, Ac 21:20 but not according to knowledge.

3Because they disregarded the righteousness from God Rm 1:17 and attempted to establish their own righteousness, they have not submitted themselves to God’s righteousness.

4For Christ is the end Or goal of the law for righteousness Rm 7:1-4; Gl 3:24; 4:5 to everyone who believes. Rm 3:22

5For Moses writes about the righteousness that is from the law: The one who does these things will live by them. Lv 18:5; Neh 9:29; Ezk 20:11,13,21; Rm 7:10 Lv 18:5

6But the righteousness that comes from faith Rm 9:30 speaks like this: Do not say in your heart, “Who will go up to heaven? ” Dt 9:4; 30:12 Dt 9:4; 30:12 that is, to bring Christ down

7or, “Who will go down into the abyss? ” Dt 30:13; Lk 8:31 Dt 30:13 that is, to bring Christ up from the dead. Heb 13:20

8On the contrary, what does it say? The message is near you, in your mouth and in your heart. Dt 30:14 Dt 30:14 This is the message of faith that we proclaim:

9If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” Mt 10:32; Lk 12:8; Rm 14:9; 1Co 12:3; Php 2:11 and believe in your heart Ac 16:31; Rm 4:24 that God raised Him from the dead, Ac 2:24 you will be saved.

10One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation.

11Now the Scripture says, Everyone who believes on Him will not be put to shame, Is 28:16 Is 28:16

12for there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, Rm 3:22,29 since the same Lord Ac 10:36 of all Rm 3:29 is rich to all who call on Him.

13For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Jl 2:32; Ac 2:21; 7:59 Jl 2:32

14But how can they call on Him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about Him? Eph 2:17; 4:21 And how can they hear without a preacher? Ac 8:31; Ti 1:3

15And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful Or welcome, or timely are the feet of those Other mss read feet of those who announce the gospel of peace, of those who announce the gospel of good things! Is 52:7; Nah 1:15; Rm 1:15; 15:20 Is 52:7; Nah 1:15

16But all did not obey the gospel. Rm 3:3 For Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed our message? Is 53:1; Jn 12:38 Is 53:1

17So faith comes from what is heard, Gl 3:2,5 and what is heard comes through the message about Christ. Other mss read God Col 3:16

18But I ask, “Did they not hear? ” Yes, they did: