For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord of all is rich to all those calling upon Him.
Truth to Learn
God doesn’t care who your ancestors are. He will respond to your call for salvation.
Behind the Words
“Distinction” is translated from the Greek word diastolē, which is the noun form of the verb diastellō, made up of dia, indicating a transition and stellō, meaning “to send.” Hence it means “to send (or cause) a change,” that is, “to make things different. The noun form, diastolē, refers to this change, difference, or distinction.
The words “is rich” are from the Greek verb plouteō, which is based on the noun ploutos, referring to “riches or wealth, either in money or possessions.”
“Calling upon” is translated from epikaleō, which is made up of epi, meaning “over or upon” and kaleō, meaning “to call.” Therefore, epikaleō means “to call upon or request aid from someone else.”
Meaning Explained
Before we get into this verse let me point out that when Paul refers to Greeks in these verses, he is using the name as a metonym, which is using a name of one object or concept for that of another. He doesn’t really mean the Greek people; he means all non-Jews or all Gentiles. Since the common language of the entire Roman Empire was Greek, it became a common expression among the Jews to refer to all Gentiles as Greeks.
In the previous verse Paul said that everyone believing on Jesus will not be put to shame. Clearly he was implying that this applies to both the Jews and the Gentiles. Throughout the first four chapters of this letter, Paul set out to show that there is no difference between the Jews and the Gentiles in God’s eyes. Notice particularly what he said in Romans 3:28-30:
Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from works of law. Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, since it is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.
In the current verse Paul makes it abundantly clear that God treats all mankind the same whether they are Jewish or not. As you read through the book of Acts, you will see the difficulty that even the Apostles had in believing that God accepts the Gentiles without having to satisfy the Law. In fact, it comes to a head in Acts chapter 15 where Paul and Barnabas go to Jerusalem from Antioch to get this matter settled. If the Apostles had such a difficulty with this concept, it is understandable that Paul would make such a big deal of it for the Jewish Christians in Rome.
In the current verse Paul states that the same Lord who is over us all is rich in his giving to all of us who call on Him, whether we are Jew or Gentile. God will freely bestow His riches of grace and mercy upon all who submit to the lordship of Jesus Christ and call upon Him for salvation.
Application
It doesn’t matter what your ethnic background is, what family you’re part or, or who your ancestors are. If you confess Christ as your Lord and Savior, God will grant you the riches of His righteousness. That’s His promise!
In God's service, for His glory,
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