Romans Chapter 11

Romans 11 explains that God has not completely rejected Israel. Paul himself, an Israelite, is evidence that a faithful remnant remains according to God’s grace. Israel’s failure was not final or universal: some received God’s righteousness through faith, while others were hardened because of unbelief. Through Israel’s rejection, the gospel came to the Gentiles, partly to provoke Israel to jealousy and encourage its return to God. Paul uses the image of an olive tree to explain the relationship between believing Jews and Gentiles. Some natural branches were broken off because of unbelief, while believing Gentiles—branches from a wild olive tree—were grafted in through faith. Gentile believers must not become proud, because they do not support the root; the root supports them. If God did not spare the natural branches when they became unbelieving, He will not spare Gentile believers who abandon their faith. Therefore, Christians must consider both the goodness and severity of God: His goodness toward those who continue in His goodness, and His severity toward those who fall through unbelief. Those who do not continue may be cut off, while Israelites who turn from unbelief can be grafted in again. The chapter concludes by explaining that God’s plan displays mercy toward both Jews and Gentiles. His wisdom, knowledge, judgments, and ways are beyond complete human understanding. All things are from Him, through Him, and ultimately for His glory.