Thankfully Paul showed not all Jews would reject the gospel, some Israelites would abide by the word of God and embrace the fact the life and death of Jesus was indeed the fulfillment of prophecy.
The apostle now addresses those Jews who did not initially believe in Jesus but eventually will be saved because of their faith in Christ, the only begotten son of God almighty.
“11 Again I ask: Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious.” (Romans 11:11)
Paul asks yet another rhetorical question about the fate of the nation of Israel in lieu of their unbelief. While God did choose to write Israel out of His divine plan, after a time and by His grace those who repent of their sins and accept Jesus as savior will be confirmed as children of God.
Through their unbelief and crucifixion of Jesus Christ the Jews made it possible for God to execute His perfect plan which would bring salvation to the Gentiles thereby breaking down the partition wall between the Jews and Gentiles. In turn the gist of eternal life awarded to a Gentile nation would bring envy among the Israelites, a channel that would eventually allow for some Jews to be saved through faith in Jesus.
“12 But if their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their fullness bring!” (Romans 11:12)
Because of His divine love for the nation of Israel the riches bestowed upon believing Jews will be greater than any other gift.
“13 I am talking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I make much of my ministry 14 in the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envy and save some of them.” (Romans 11:13-14)
Though Paul’s mission was to preach to the Gentiles he was eager to bring Jews to Christ through the gospel and of course, by faith. His hope was not only for Gentiles to be saved but for Jews also.
“15 For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?” (Romans 11:15)
Here the apostle points out the Jews’ unbelief was at the root of the greatest gift ever given to the Gentiles which is eternal life in heaven through faith in Jesus Christ. In His word through the pen of Paul God promises an even greater reward upon the Jews who choose to believe in Christ for their salvation rather than reply on the law of Moses.
“16 If the part of the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches.” (Romans 11:16)
The dough here, or batch is the Jewish nation by which all Jews can be saved since the first Christians were indeed Israelites considered holy as God’s chosen people.
“17 If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, 18 do not boast over those branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.” (Romans 11:17-18)
Addressing the Gentile Christians Paul describes them as wild olive shoots grafted to the olive root which is made of Jewish Christians. Gentiles who, through faith were grafted to the olive tree, or saved by their faith in Jesus Christ should not boast about their inheritance to the unsaved Jew.
“19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” 20 Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid.” (Romans 11:19-20)
Paul admits for branches to be grafted in to the olive tree some existing branches had to be cut off. The Jews who rejected Christ severed themselves from the tree thereby making room for the Gentiles to be grafted to the olive tree. However God’s message is clear as to those in Christ, we are to stand fast as we await His return.
“21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.” (Romans 11:21)
Misconceived as a verse that indicates salvation can be lost, Paul warns the Gentiles their salvation is subject to their faith in Jesus Christ. Only those who believe in God’s only begotten son will be saved.
“22 Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.” (Romans 11:22)
Because of their unbelief God showed harshness in cutting off the Jews from the olive tree, in denying them their inheritance as God’s chosen people. By their faith in Jesus Christ He also showed mercy for the Gentiles which were not His chosen nation.
“23 And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. 24 After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree!” (Romans 11:23-24)
Through faith the branches that were broken off the olive tree, the Jews who once rejected Christ, will be grafted back in the tree of life. Paul describes the grafting of natural branches as “better” than that of the Gentile or “wild” branches since they are of the same root, the same sap.
Since all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, all should be cut off from the tree of life. Those who believe in Jesus Christ will be grafted onto the olive tree and rewarded with the gift of eternal life as long as we continue in the kindness of God. Those who abandon and fall off the narrow path will be cast into hell to burn for all eternity. Which one are you? Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
