Romans 10:17

So then faith cometh. — Inference from the prophecy just quoted. Before men can believe, there must be something for them to believe. That something is the word of God, which we preach and they hear. It must be remembered that the word for “report” in Romans 10:16, and for “hearing” in Romans 10:17, is the same, but with a slight difference of meaning. In the first place, both the act of hearer and preacher are involved; in the second place, only the act of the hearer.

By the word of God. — We should read here, without doubt, “by the word of Christ” — i.e., by the gospel first delivered by Christ and propagated by His ministers.