Romans 10:15

except they be sent Q. d., "If they be not sent, if they are held backby misguided jealousy, how can the predicted evangelization take place?" If Rabbinism were right, were in accordance with God's will, in its practical denial of hope to the Gentiles, then missionary work, such as foretold, would be impossible; there could be no commissionfor it.

as it is written Isaiah 52:7. The quotation varies from LXX., but is nearly with the Heb. The context in Isaiah points rather to "good tidings" toIsrael than fromIsrael. But (1) the tidings is "Thy God reigneth;" and of this no greater proof could, or can, be given than the universal spread of the kingdom of Messiah; (and see just below, Isaiah 52:10, "all nations," "all the ends of the earth;") and (2) it is clear from the drift of many N. T. quotations that a reference to the "Israel of God" (the true Church of Christ) underlies the primary Jewishreference of very many of Isaiah's prophecies. Thus St Paul sees here a prediction of the "beauty" of the tidings of that Salvation which was "of the Jews," and is now for Jew and Gentile alike. See Ephesians 2:17. In the Heb. the proclaimer is single; "himthat bringeth, &c."

Some editors omit the words "that preach the gospel of peace;" but without sufficient reason. Probably St Paul had in view the previously-expounded "peacewith God," enjoyed by the true Israel.