A Zeal of God without Knowledge Romans 10:2

Paul the apostle told the people in Rome that his, “heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved”, and in chapter ten and verse two of Romans, Paul told his readers how, “they have a zeal of God” without “knowledge” where we read:

For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

The verse begins, “For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, ...” Paul began with the word, “for” which means “even as, indeed, no doubt, seeing then, verily and therefore” “I bear them record” which means “Paul was a witness and uttered honorable testimony toward the people in Israel” “that they have a zeal” which means “that Israel has an excitement of mind, ardor and fervor of spirit in pursuing things” “of God” or “pertaining to the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”. Paul referred to the way the people within Israel have “an excitement and fervor of spirit” toward Godly things.

The verse goes on to say, “... but not according to knowledge.” Paul continued with the words, “but” which is a disassociate conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated” “not according” which means “not in any way down from, through out” “to knowledge” or “toward precise and correct knowledge of things ethical and divine”. Paul told his readers that Israel, though “zealous toward God”, did not have “precised and correct knowledge” concerning Him.

When we consider these words of Paul, we see how it is possible for people to be very “zealous” or “excited with fervor” over a belief that is untrue. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6), and regardless of what a person is passionate and arduous about, if it is any belief other than Jesus being the way, the truth and the life, they do not do so “according to knowledge”. Those who are wise will study the life and words of Jesus to discover the “knowledge” of God's plan of salvation, and may all who read these words not delay but do so today.

Next time we see Paul tell his readers about those who are, “ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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