1 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, [of] the tribe of Benjamin.
2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,
3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.
4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to [the image of] Baal.
5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
6 And if by grace, then [is it] no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if [it be] of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
8 (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.
9 And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them:
10 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.
11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but [rather] through their fall salvation [is come] unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
12 Now if the fall of them [be] the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?
13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation [them which are] my flesh, and might save some of them.
15 For if the casting away of them [be] the reconciling of the world, what [shall] the receiving [of them be], but life from the dead?
16 For if the firstfruit [be] holy, the lump [is] also [holy]: and if the root [be] holy, so [are] the branches.
17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;
18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.
19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.
20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
21 For if God spared not the natural branches, [take heed] lest he also spare not thee.
22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in [his] goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.
24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural [branches], be graffed into their own olive tree?
25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
27 For this [is] my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
28 As concerning the gospel, [they are] enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, [they are] beloved for the fathers’ sakes.
29 For the gifts and calling of God [are] without repentance.
30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:
31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.
32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counseller?
35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?
36 For of him, and through him, and to him, [are] all things: to whom [be] glory for ever. Amen.
Overview of Romans Chapter 11
Romans Chapter 11 is a pivotal section of Paul’s epistle to the Romans, where he addresses the relationship between Israel and the Gentiles in the context of God’s redemptive plan. This chapter emphasizes God’s faithfulness to His promises and the mystery of His sovereign choice.
Key Themes
- God’s Faithfulness to Israel
Paul begins by affirming that God has not rejected His people, Israel. He uses his own status as a Jew to illustrate that a remnant remains faithful.
- The Remnant of Israel
Paul references the concept of a remnant, citing Elijah’s experience where God preserved a group of faithful followers despite widespread apostasy.
- Gentiles and Israel’s Stumbling
The chapter discusses how Israel’s rejection of the Gospel has led to the inclusion of the Gentiles, highlighting the mystery of God’s plan for salvation.
- God’s Mercy and Judgment
Paul emphasizes the duality of God’s mercy and judgment, explaining that while Israel has stumbled, there is hope for their restoration.
- The Olive Tree Metaphor
Paul uses the metaphor of an olive tree to illustrate the relationship between Israel and the Gentiles, emphasizing that Gentiles are grafted into the promises made to Israel.
Detailed Analysis
God’s Faithfulness to Israel (Verses 1-6)
Paul opens the chapter with a rhetorical question: “Has God rejected His people?” He answers emphatically in the negative, asserting that God has preserved a remnant of faithful Jews. This remnant is not based on works but on grace, highlighting the theme of divine election.
The Remnant and Elijah (Verses 1-5)
Paul draws on the story of Elijah, who believed he was the only faithful one left. God reveals to him that there are still 7,000 who have not bowed to Baal. This serves as a reminder that God always maintains a remnant, even in times of widespread unfaithfulness.
Israel’s Stumbling and the Gentiles (Verses 7-10)
In these verses, Paul explains that Israel’s rejection of the Gospel has resulted in salvation being offered to the Gentiles. This paradox serves to provoke Israel to jealousy, suggesting that God’s plan includes both judgment and mercy.
The Olive Tree Metaphor (Verses 11-24)
Paul introduces the metaphor of the olive tree to describe the people of God. The natural branches represent Israel, while the wild branches symbolize the Gentiles. He warns Gentiles not to be arrogant, as their inclusion is due to God’s grace and not their merit. The root of the tree represents the patriarchs, emphasizing the continuity of God’s covenantal promises.
Hope for Israel’s Restoration (Verses 25-32)
Paul reveals a mystery: Israel’s hardening is temporary until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in. He assures that all Israel will be saved, reiterating God’s faithfulness to His covenant. This section highlights the universal scope of God’s mercy, as both Jews and Gentiles are included in His redemptive plan.
Doxology and Conclusion (Verses 33-36)
The chapter concludes with a doxology that praises the depth of God’s wisdom and knowledge. Paul acknowledges the inscrutability of God’s judgments and ways, culminating in a powerful affirmation of God’s sovereignty over all creation.
Conclusion
Romans Chapter 11 serves as a profound theological reflection on the relationship between Israel and the Gentiles, emphasizing God’s unwavering faithfulness and the mystery of His redemptive plan. It challenges readers to recognize the grace extended to all and the hope of restoration for Israel, ultimately culminating in a doxology that glorifies God’s wisdom and purpose.
