Disobeying the Gospel

Paul concludes this chapter by stating that the Jews were in direct disobedience to the gospel that had been proclaimed to them. Theirs was not an accidental oversight of the gospel, nor just a cultural difference. The gospel was plain and simple; it had been proclaimed all through the Old Testament; and now again to the Jews through Jesus and the first churches. Their rejection shows that the preaching of the gospel does not automatically convert. There are those who do not believe. Indeed, God even foretells Israel's rejection and disobedience. If believing the gospel is a matter of responsibility, so is disobeying it. So, faith comes by hearing - i.e. hearing is essential. Yet, faith does not come by hearing alone - i.e. hearing is not sufficient.