Romans 10:15 – “And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’”

An Extended Explanation of the Verse

Paul is continuing his argument about the necessity of spreading the gospel. In Romans 10:14, he showed the logical steps of salvation: people cannot believe in Jesus unless they hear about Him, and they cannot hear unless someone preaches to them. Now, in verse 15, he adds one more step: preachers must be sent.

This verse emphasizes that sharing the gospel is not just something that happens naturally—God actively sends people out to proclaim the good news. The word “sent” implies that evangelism and missions are not random human efforts, but a divine calling.

Then Paul quotes Isaiah 52:7, which describes the joy and beauty of messengers who bring good news. The phrase “How beautiful are the feet” is a poetic way of saying that those who bring the message of salvation are highly valued. In biblical times, messengers traveled by foot, often across rough terrain. The arrival of a messenger with good news was a great relief and cause for celebration.

Paul is using this imagery to show that the gospel is the greatest message of all, and those who share it are doing the most important work in the world.

Historical Context

Paul was writing to a church in Rome, a powerful city where many had never heard the gospel. The Roman world was filled with religious diversity, but most people worshiped false gods and had no knowledge of Jesus.

In the Old Testament, God often sent prophets to bring His message to His people. But now, in the New Testament, God was sending out preachers of the gospel to the whole world. Paul himself was one of those messengers—he had been sent to bring the good news to the Gentiles (Romans 1:1, Acts 9:15).

Isaiah 52:7, which Paul quotes here, originally described the good news of Israel’s deliverance from exile. But Paul applies it to the gospel of Jesus Christ—the ultimate good news that brings freedom from sin and eternal life.

Theological Implications

1. God is the one who sends people to preach. Evangelism and missions are not just human efforts—they are part of God’s plan.
2. The message of the gospel is good news. It brings joy, freedom, and salvation to those who receive it.
3. Sharing the gospel is a privilege. Those who carry the message of Jesus are part of God’s great mission to bring salvation to the world.
4. The beauty of the gospel is found in its impact. The message itself is beautiful because it brings hope, life, and peace with God.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s use of Isaiah 52:7 is significant. In its original context, this verse described messengers bringing the good news of Israel’s deliverance. Paul takes this and applies it to the gospel of Christ, which is the ultimate message of salvation.

The phrase “How beautiful are the feet” is symbolic. In ancient times, messengers often traveled long distances on foot. Their arrival with good news was a cause for joy, even if their feet were dirty and worn. The beauty is not in the physical feet but in the message they carry.

Paul’s structure in Romans 10:14-15 follows a logical progression:

• People cannot believe unless they hear.
• They cannot hear unless someone preaches.
• No one can preach unless they are sent.

This shows the necessity of evangelism and missions—the message of salvation must be proclaimed, and God is the one who sends His messengers.

Biblical Cross-References

• Isaiah 52:7 – “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation.”
• Matthew 28:19-20 – Jesus commands His followers to go and make disciples of all nations.
• Acts 1:8 – Jesus tells His disciples they will be His witnesses to the ends of the earth.
• 2 Corinthians 5:20 – “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.”
• John 20:21 – Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that God has entrusted believers with the responsibility of sharing the gospel. Just as Paul and the early disciples were sent, we too are called to spread the good news.

It also challenges us to think about our role in evangelism. Not everyone is called to be a missionary or pastor, but every believer is sent to share Jesus in their daily life. Whether it’s through personal conversations, supporting missionaries, or sharing Christ through social media, we all have a part to play.

This verse also reminds us to pray for those who have been sent—missionaries, pastors, and evangelists—who are working to spread the gospel around the world.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in the fact that He actively sends messengers to proclaim the good news. He does not leave people in darkness—He sends people to bring them the message of salvation.

God could have chosen to reveal Himself in any way, but He chooses to work through people. This shows that He values human participation in His mission and that He desires people to know Him personally.

His love is also evident in the good news itself—the gospel is not a message of condemnation, but of grace, forgiveness, and eternal life.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the ultimate messenger and message of the gospel.

• He was sent by the Father (John 20:21).
• He proclaimed the good news of salvation (Luke 4:18-19).
• He commissioned His followers to spread the message (Matthew 28:19-20).

Without Jesus, there would be no good news to preach. He is the reason salvation is available to all who believe.

Paul’s use of Isaiah 52:7 also points to Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promise. Just as Isaiah spoke of messengers bringing news of Israel’s freedom, Jesus brings true freedom from sin and eternal life to all who believe.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does this verse challenge the way you think about evangelism and missions?
2. Do you see yourself as someone who has been “sent” to share the gospel? Why or why not?
3. What are some ways you can personally participate in spreading the good news?
4. How does this verse encourage you to pray for and support those who are preaching the gospel around the world?
5. Why do you think God chooses to work through people to spread His message instead of revealing Himself in other ways?

Romans 10:15 is a powerful reminder that God’s plan for salvation includes sending people to proclaim the good news. The message of Jesus Christ is the greatest news ever, and those who share it are doing the most important work in the world. May we all be faithful to go, send, and support those who bring the gospel to the world.