NOTES for Rom 10:1-13
The prophet Joel, whom the apostle Paul quotes, speaks of “that day” when the Lord will pour out his Spirit and thereby make salvation possible. That day has now come, and Paul shows that salvation does not happen automatically, without our participation. What is required is not only our personal action—calling, believing, hearing—but also interpersonal action—preaching—which means that we are also needed for the salvation of others! Paul then continues his logical chain and directs us once again to the true source of salvation: ultimately it is not we, but God, who gives us his word.