Romans 10:15

KJV

And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} how {G4459} shall they preach {G2784}, except {G3362} they be sent {G649}? as {G2531} it is written {G1125}, How {G5613} beautiful {G5611} are the feet of them {G4228} that preach the gospel {G2097} of peace {G1515}, and bring glad tidings {G2097} of good things {G18}!

Complete Jewish Bible

And how can people proclaim him unless God sends them? — as the Tanakh puts it, “How beautiful are the feet of those announcing good news about good things!”

Berean Standard Bible

And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

American Standard Version

and how shall they preach, except they be sent? even as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that bring glad tidings of good things!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 10:15 powerfully asserts the divine necessity and profound beauty of those commissioned to proclaim the Gospel. It highlights that the spread of the good news of peace and salvation is contingent upon individuals being divinely sent, underscoring the crucial role of the messenger in God's redemptive plan and celebrating the vital impact of their mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of a series of rhetorical questions posed by Paul in [Romans 10](/romans/10 "Romans 10 - Righteousness by Faith"). Having established that "whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" in [Romans 10:13](/romans/10-13 "Romans 10:13 - Salvation for All Who Call"), Paul logically progresses to explain how this calling becomes possible. In [Romans 10:14](/romans/10-14 "Romans 10:14 - The Necessity of Hearing"), he asks, "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" Romans 10:15 provides the answer to the final question, stating that preachers must be "sent." This entire chain of reasoning builds towards the foundational truth articulated in [Romans 10:17](/romans/10-17 "Romans 10:17 - Faith Comes by Hearing"), that "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." The passage thus systematically demonstrates the indispensable link between divine commission, proclamation, hearing, belief, and ultimately, salvation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's argument in [Romans 9-11](/romans/9-11 "Romans 9-11 - God's Plan for Israel and the Gentiles") addresses the complex relationship between Israel and the Gentiles in God's plan of salvation. While Israel, as God's chosen people, had the Law, many had stumbled over Christ. Paul emphasizes that salvation is now available to all, Jew and Gentile, through faith in Jesus. In the ancient world, messengers or heralds played a vital role in disseminating news, whether of war, peace, or royal decree. Their "feet" were symbolic of their journey and the message they carried. For a message to be authoritative and effective, the messenger had to be officially "sent" by a legitimate authority. Paul draws on this understanding to underscore that those who proclaim the Gospel are not self-appointed but divinely commissioned, carrying a message of ultimate peace and good news from the highest authority—God Himself.
* **Key Themes:** [Romans 10:15](/romans/10-15 "Romans 10:15 - The Sent Messenger") contributes significantly to several key themes within Romans and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the **Divine Commission**, emphasizing that the authority and effectiveness of Gospel proclamation derive from being "sent" by God, echoing the [Great Commission of Jesus](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission"). This leads to the **Necessity of Proclamation**, as faith cannot arise without hearing the message, and hearing requires a messenger. The verse also introduces the **Beauty of the Messenger**, drawing from [Isaiah 52:7](/isaiah/52-7 "Isaiah 52:7 - The Messenger of Good News"), where "beautiful feet" symbolize not physical attractiveness but the profound spiritual and redemptive value of those who bring the life-changing news of salvation and peace. Finally, the verse highlights the nature of the message itself as the **Gospel of Peace and Glad Tidings**, referring to the reconciliation with God offered through Christ, which brings spiritual peace and hope to a world in conflict with its Creator, as further expounded in [Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Faith").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **preach (Greek, _kērýssō'_):** (G2784) From uncertain affinity; to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel). This word signifies a public, authoritative proclamation, not merely a private sharing of information. It implies a formal declaration of a message from a higher authority.
* **sent (Greek, _apostéllō'_):** (G649) From `apó` (from) and `stéllō` (to set); set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively. This term is the root of "apostle" (`apostolos`), meaning "one who is sent." It denotes a specific commissioning with authority and purpose, implying divine authorization for the mission.
* **beautiful (Greek, _hōraîos'_):** (G5611) From `hōra` (hour); belonging to the right hour or season (timely), i.e., (by implication) flourishing (beauteous (figuratively)). This word suggests not just physical attractiveness but something that is timely, appropriate, and therefore pleasing or welcome. In this context, the "beauty" is spiritual and functional—the profound and welcome nature of the message brought by the evangelist.
* **preach the gospel / bring glad tidings (Greek, _euangelízō'_):** (G2097) From `eû` (well) and `ángelos` (messenger); to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel. This verb encapsulates the core activity of the messenger: to deliver news that is inherently good, joyful, and transformative, specifically referring to the message of salvation through Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And how shall they preach, except they be sent?":** This rhetorical question underscores the divine prerequisite for effective Gospel proclamation. It asserts that preaching is not a self-appointed task but requires a divine commissioning or sending. The authority and legitimacy of the message are tied to the sender. Without this divine mandate, the act of preaching lacks true spiritual power and validity, highlighting the sovereign initiation of God in the spread of His word.
* **"as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!":** This clause introduces a direct quotation from [Isaiah 52:7](/isaiah/52-7 "Isaiah 52:7 - The Messenger of Good News"), applying an Old Testament prophecy to the New Testament reality of Gospel messengers. The "beauty of the feet" is a powerful **metaphor** for the profound spiritual value and welcome nature of those who undertake the arduous journey to deliver the message. Their feet symbolize their entire mission, their effort, and their presence. The message they carry is explicitly defined as the "gospel of peace" (reconciliation with God) and "glad tidings of good things" (the comprehensive benefits of salvation, including hope, righteousness, and eternal life). This emphasizes the inherently positive, transformative, and redemptive nature of the Christian message.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 10:15 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The verse begins with a **Rhetorical Question** ("And how shall they preach, except they be sent?"), a common Pauline technique used to emphasize a point by prompting the reader to acknowledge the obvious answer. This question establishes the indispensable nature of divine commissioning. Following this, Paul uses **Allusion** and direct **Quotation** from [Isaiah 52:7](/isaiah/52-7 "Isaiah 52:7 - The Messenger of Good News"), demonstrating the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New. The phrase "How beautiful are the feet" is a powerful **Metaphor** and a form of **Synecdoche**, where "feet" represent the entire person of the messenger and their journey. It is not literal physical beauty, but the spiritual beauty and profound welcome of those who traverse distances to bring the life-altering news of peace. The description of the message as "gospel of peace" and "glad tidings of good things" uses **Descriptive Language** to highlight the inherent positive and transformative nature of the Christian message.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 10:15 is a foundational verse for understanding the missional heart of God and the mechanics of salvation. It underscores God's sovereign initiative in sending messengers to proclaim His truth, demonstrating that the spread of the Gospel is not left to human ingenuity alone but is divinely orchestrated. The "sending" implies authority, empowerment, and divine backing, making the messenger an ambassador of God Himself. The "beauty" of the messenger's feet lies in the glorious nature of the message they carry—the good news of peace with God through Christ, which is the ultimate "good thing" for humanity. This verse emphasizes that salvation, while by grace through faith, is inextricably linked to the active proclamation of the Gospel, highlighting the vital role of evangelism and missions in God's redemptive economy.

* [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission"): "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
* [Acts 13:2](/acts/13-2 "Acts 13:2 - The Holy Spirit Sends Barnabas and Saul"): "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them."
* [Ephesians 2:17](/ephesians/2-17 "Ephesians 2:17 - Christ Preached Peace"): "And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 10:15 serves as a profound reminder of the privilege and responsibility of participating in God's mission. For those who are called to preach, it affirms the divine source of their authority and the sacredness of their task. It encourages faithfulness to the message and reliance on God's sending. For the broader church, it highlights the critical importance of supporting, praying for, and valuing those who are "sent" to proclaim the Gospel, whether across the street or across the globe. We are all called to be messengers in some capacity, whether through direct proclamation, living out the Gospel, or supporting those who are on the front lines. The "beauty" of our feet is not in our physical appearance, but in our willingness to be used by God to carry His message of peace and reconciliation to a lost and hurting world. This verse challenges us to consider our own role in ensuring that "glad tidings of good things" reach every ear, recognizing that every effort to share Christ contributes to the beautiful unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I recognize and support those who are "sent" to preach the Gospel today?**
* **How does understanding the divine "sending" impact my view of evangelism and missions?**
* **What "glad tidings of good things" has the Gospel brought into my own life, and how can I share that beauty with others?**
* **In what practical ways can I allow my "feet" to be beautiful, carrying the message of peace in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**What does "beautiful are the feet" mean in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "beautiful are the feet" is a metaphorical expression, not referring to physical attractiveness, but to the profound spiritual value and welcome nature of those who bring the good news. Drawing from [Isaiah 52:7](/isaiah/52-7 "Isaiah 52:7 - The Messenger of Good News"), it signifies the joy and relief experienced by those who receive the message of peace and salvation. The "feet" symbolize the messenger's journey, their effort, and their very presence in bringing such a vital and life-changing message. It's the beauty of the *mission* and the *message* that makes the feet of the messenger beautiful.

**Does this verse mean only formally "sent" preachers can share the Gospel?**

Answer: While [Romans 10:15](/romans/10-15 "Romans 10:15 - The Sent Messenger") emphasizes the divine commissioning for those who "preach" in a formal, authoritative sense (like apostles or evangelists), it does not negate the responsibility of every believer to share their faith. The broader context of the New Testament encourages all Christians to be witnesses ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth")), to be ready to give an answer for their hope ([1 Peter 3:15](/1_peter/3-15 "1 Peter 3:15 - Always Be Prepared")), and to live in a way that adorns the Gospel. The verse primarily speaks to the *necessity* of divinely authorized proclamation for the spread of the Gospel to new ears, which often requires specific individuals to be set apart and sent for that purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 10:15 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the quintessential "Sent One" and the bringer of the most beautiful good news. Jesus Himself declared that He was [sent by the Father](/john/5-37 "John 5:37 - The Father Who Sent Me") to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to bring salvation. His entire earthly ministry was a fulfillment of the prophetic longing for the "feet" that would bring peace and glad tidings. He is the "Gospel of Peace" personified, for through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, He [made peace through the blood of His cross](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Peace Through Christ's Blood"), reconciling humanity to God. The "good things" that messengers preach are the very benefits of Christ's finished work: forgiveness of sins, righteousness, eternal life, and reconciliation. Furthermore, it is Christ who, having completed His mission, then [sends His disciples](/john/20-21 "John 20:21 - Jesus Sends His Disciples") into the world, empowering them by His Spirit to continue the beautiful work of proclaiming His Gospel, thus extending His own mission through His body, the Church, until His glorious return.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 52:7

¶ How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

Nahum 1:15

Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off.

Ephesians 2:17

And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

Matthew 28:18

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Matthew 28:20

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

Isaiah 61:1

¶ The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound;

Ephesians 6:15

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;