Audio commentary on this verse

Note 1 at Rom. 10:2: This scripture goes contrary to many religious teachings. Many people believe that it's not necessary to believe the right thing, just as long as we believe something, we'll be all right. However, Paul disproves this kind of thinking in this passage by saying that their zeal was without knowledge and therefore they were not saved (v. 2).

The Jews were very zealous about their religion, but that wasn't enough. It's not enough just to believe; we have to believe the truth. Even a person who is sincere can be sincerely wrong. Jesus said, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (Jn. 8:32).