1Brothers and sisters, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israelites is, that they might be saved. 2For I can attest that they have a zeal for God, but not based upon knowledge (insight). 3Since they did not know about God's righteousness, they tried to establish their own righteousness, without submitting themselves to the righteousness of God.

4For Christ is the culmination of the law; and has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given; therefore, all who believe in Him are made right with God. 5For Moses describes the righteousness which is by the law, “That the person who does those things shall live by them.” (Lev.18:5). 6But the righteousness that is by faith says “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who shall ascend up to heaven?’ (that is, to bring Christ down from above); 7Or, “Who shall descend into the deep?” (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead). 8But what does it say? “The word is near you, even in your mouth, and in your heart.”; that is the message of faith, which we preach: 9That if you shall confess with your mouth that the Jesus is Lord; and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. 10For it is with the heart that a person believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11For as the scripture says, “Anyone who believes in Him shall never be put to shame.” (Is.28:16). 12For there is no difference between the Jew and Greek (Gentile); for the same Lord is over all; and richly blesses all that call upon Him. 13For whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

14How, then, shall they call on Him in Whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard of Him? And how shall they hear, unless someone tells them? 15And how can anyone preach (tell them) of Him, unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those that preach the gospel of peace, and bring the good news!” (Is.52:7) 16But not all Israelites have obeyed (or responded to) the gospel. For as Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report? ” (Is.53:1) 17So, then, faith comes by hearing (the gospel message - the Good News about Christ), and that hearing (message) by the word of God. 18But again I ask, “Have they not heard?” Yes, they have: the message went throughout all the earth - to the ends of the world. 19But again I ask, “Did Israel not understand?” First Moses said, “I (God) will provoke you to jealousy by those that are not even a nation, and I will provoke your anger by foolish Gentiles who lack understanding.” (Deut.32:21). 20And Isaiah very boldly says, “I (God) was found by those that did not seek Me; I was revealed to those that did not ask for Me.” (Is.65:1). 21But regarding Israel, God says, “All day long I have held out My hands to a disobedient and contrary people.” (Is.65:2).