Which comes first?

In his writing on preaching and proclamation, Karl Barth frequently quotes from the book of Romans. This is no surprise, as Romans is an important source for Barth throughout his works. However, one area that made me think in a new way was when he quoted Romans 10:14-15,17:

But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.


The question this raised within me is which comes first, preaching or faith?

Perhaps the answer seems obvious. We expect that someone hears a powerful sermon and that leads to faith. But Barth and Paul point in both directions. Paul writes that faith comes from what is heard AND what is heard comes through the word of Christ. Barth considers proclamation and faith as means of grace, both given by God, and that all means of grace should be considered equal.

This recalls a familiar story of John Wesley, who when he went through a crisis of faith was advised, “Preach faith till you have it; and then, because you have it, you will preach faith.”

So which comes first, preaching or faith? Perhaps neither. Maybe it is God’s grace that proceeds them both.