This verse is a part of a larger context of Paul’s letter to the Church of Rome. The

whole letter serves as a long argument or sermon about the righteousness of God and

how on become righteous before God. The verse immediately prior to this one states

that ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ (Romans 13:13). Paul

then uses this verse as a starting point to call people to the task of evangelism.

Paul knows the marvelous gift of God’s grace and the abundant life that God offers, and

wants all people to know and experience this grace. Paul knows that this is God’s will—

that all people shall be saved.

Then Paul raises questions within his letter: how are people to call on one in whom they

have not believed? And how are they to believe if they have never heard? And how

are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to hear unless

someone is sent?

It seems like the goal of Paul with raising this questions is to raise the awareness

about how God’s will gets accomplished. How will people experience God and his

grace unless people are willing to rise up and speak to others about the goodness and

graciousness of God?

How comfortable are you with talking to others about God? How open are you to sharing

how you experience God within your life to other people?

A lot of people shy away from sharing their faith; because of the common understanding

that faith is a private matter. But Paul is raising the whole issue that if it is God’s

intention that all people call upon the name of the Lord—how will this be done unless

people are sent to proclaim so that others can hear and believe.

In what ways can you be intentional this week and month about seeking to share with

other how God is active and alive within your life.