1. Introduction
Romans 10:17 is frequently quoted in Charismatic and Pentecostal circles to teach that:
- Faith is built by Rhema words – specific, spoken, Spirit-given words applied to an individual or situation.
This interpretation requires careful examination of:
- The context of Romans 10.
- The Greek meaning of Rhema here.
- The relationship between Rhema, Logos, and faith.
2. Textual and Contextual Analysis
2.1 The Verse in Context
Romans 10:17 (ESV): “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word (Rhema) of Christ.”
2.1.1 Contextual Flow
- Romans 10:14–15: Paul explains how people come to faith – through preaching:
- How will they believe unless they hear?
- How will they hear without a preacher?
- Romans 10:16–17: Not all obeyed the gospel, but faith comes by hearing the Rhema of Christ.
2.2 Meaning of Rhema in This Verse
2.2.1 Lexical Meaning
- Rhema here refers to the spoken message proclaimed – the gospel preaching about Christ.
2.2.2 Not a Private Revelation
Paul is teaching:
| Key Point | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Public gospel message | Faith arises as people hear the preached gospel about Christ’s death and resurrection. |
| Not an individual private word | The passage does not address personal guidance or prophetic utterances, but the universal gospel proclamation leading to saving faith. |
2.3 Comparison with Logos
Elsewhere in Romans (e.g. Romans 9:6, “It is not as though God’s word [Logos] has failed”), Paul uses Logos for God’s covenant word and promises. Here, Rhema is used to emphasise:
- The spoken proclamation of the gospel, not to distinguish it as a special mystical word.
3. Theological Implications
3.1 Faith is Built on the Gospel
- The content of faith is the gospel message about Christ (Romans 10:9–10).
- The means of faith is hearing that message proclaimed.
3.2 Practical Application in Charismatic Teaching
3.2.1 Positive Application
It is pastorally helpful to teach that:
- Spirit-illuminated Scripture (Rhema) builds faith as it becomes alive and personal in the believer’s heart.
- Believers grow in faith as God’s Word is applied specifically to life situations by the Spirit.
3.2.2 Caution
However, the Romans 10:17 text itself does not teach:
- That faith is built only by personal Rhema words.
- A doctrinal division where general Scripture (Logos) is less faith-building than Rhema.
Rather, it teaches that saving faith is birthed by hearing the gospel message about Christ.
4. Summary Table
| Aspect | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Romans 10:17 Rhema meaning | Refers to the preached gospel message about Christ, not private words of revelation. |
| Faith’s foundation | Hearing and believing the gospel, as proclaimed by authorised preachers. |
| Practical implication | Faith grows as believers hear, meditate on, and obey God’s Word, both generally (Logos) and in Spirit-applied ways (Rhema), but this verse specifically addresses gospel proclamation. |
5. Conclusion
Romans 10:17 teaches that faith comes by hearing the gospel message (Rhema of Christ) proclaimed publicly, leading to saving faith. While it is pastorally valid to encourage believers to seek Spirit-applied words from Scripture (Rhema) to build faith in daily life, this verse:
- Does not teach a doctrinal separation between Logos and Rhema.
- Emphasises the centrality of gospel preaching for the birth of faith.
Faith is ultimately built upon hearing, understanding, and trusting the Word of Christ – the good news of His redemptive work.
6. References
- Moo, D. J. (1996). The Epistle to the Romans (NICNT). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.
- Schreiner, T. R. (1998). Romans (BECNT). Grand Rapids: Baker.
- Carson, D. A. (1996). Exegetical Fallacies (2nd ed.). Grand Rapids: Baker.
- Fee, G. D. (1994). God’s Empowering Presence: The Holy Spirit in the Letters of Paul. Peabody: Hendrickson.