Romans 10:14-17

“How are they to call on one they have not believed in? And how are they to believe in one they have not heard of? And how are they to hear without someone preaching to them? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How timely is the arrival of those who proclaim the good news.” But not all have obeyed the good news, for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” Consequently faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the preached word of Christ.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭14‬-‭17‬ ‭NET‬‬ 

I would think this is applicable to most anyone and any “conversion” story. It’s a favorite passage by preachers, especially evangelists and missionaries (obviously).

But when we keep the paragraph in context, I think the original “they” is Israel. (Could be wrong). Preceding verses mention same gospel for Jew and Gentile. Everyone knows chapters 8-10 is about God’s faithfulness to the Jewish people and His plan for them/how the gospel is consistent with His covenants with them. 

And these quotes from the OT are strangely taken out of their context. Need more in depth study and discussion of their original passages and how Paul is applying them here, but the short version is that Jews were in exile, and the “good news” was that they were going home. And Isaiah mentions how “beautiful” are the feet of those who would tell Israel it was time to go home. Paul takes that message and applies it to the gospel. Those words “beautiful” and “feet” can be seen as metonymy, so “timely” and “arrival” here in the NET.

But if no one ever went to tell Israel about their freedom, they never would have gone home. Paul’s point is that the gospel is such a better message than release from exile. And it’s the same message for Jew and Gentile. Yes, we can get into debates over Chapter 11 and how much the “all Israel will be saved” applies here. But Paul’s point in chapter 10 is simply that Jews and Gentiles are on even ground. And all need to hear it.