11:1–12 Paul has addressed his concern for his fellow Jews (9:3 and note) while affirming God’s sovereign right to choose to show mercy or punish unbelief (9:14–33). Here, Paul acknowledges that Israel’s rejection of Christ was part of God’s sovereign plan to extend salvation to the Gentiles (non-Jewish people), but he insists that God is not yet finished with Israel as His chosen people. Romans 11:1–10 NICNT Ro Has God Rejected Israel? Romans 9–11 (Boice)

11:1 God has not rejected his people Paul has spent the previous two chapters addressing the problem of the Jews’ rejection of Jesus as Messiah and the implications of that rejection for salvation. Paul now emphatically insists that, while Israel may have rejected God’s gift of salvation in Christ, God has not rejected Israel in return. Despite present appearances, Israel still plays a role in God’s plan of salvation, and His promises to Israel have not been invalidated.

of the tribe of Benjamin Paul emphasizes his own Jewish lineage as proof that at least some within ethnic Israel will be saved (compare 9:27).

11:2 foreknew Compare 8:29.

Elijah An ot prophet (see 1 Kgs 17–2 Kgs 2).

11:3 I alone am left Paul quotes Elijah (from 1 Kgs 19:10, 14), who thought he was Yahweh’s last faithful servant.

11:4 I have left for myself Paul quotes 1 Kgs 19:18, God’s reply to Elijah indicating the presence of a faithful remnant.

Baal The Canaanite storm-god.

11:5 a remnant Refers to a small number of people who remain faithful to God despite the unfaithfulness of others around them. In Romans, the remnant is composed of Jews who have put their faith in Christ. The existence of this remnant is proof that God has not rejected all of Israel.

11:6 by grace Paul reminds his audience that God’s election of a remnant is based on His grace, and not on works.

11:7 elect Identifies those who are part of God’s people due to His sovereign choice. Compare Rom 9:10–13.

Election

11:8 God gave them a spirit of stupor Paul combines three partial quotations (Deut 29:4; Isa 29:10; 6:9). Each one comments on the Israelites’ failure to recognize God’s work among them.

11:9 a cause for stumbling In Rom 11:9–10, Paul quotes Psa 69:22–23, implying that the Jews stumbled over Christ and failed to recognize Him as the Messiah (compare Rom 9:33).

11:10 so that they do not see This quotation from Psa 69:23 describes God’s judgment upon faithless Israel: They will experience spiritual blindness and will be unable to recognize God’s work among them.

11:11 they did not stumble so that they fell, did they Israel is not past the point of redemption.

trespass Refers to Israel’s rejection of Christ. Paul’s word selection here recalls the references to the transgressions of Adam and humanity earlier in the letter (Rom 4:25; 5:15–20).

salvation has come to the Gentiles See note on 9:25.

11:12 fullness The Greek word used here, plērōma, might refer to the full number of Jews who turn to Christ. Alternatively, it could indicate the fullness of blessing that Jews and Gentiles experience together as one people of God.

11:13–24 Paul argues that Israel’s rejection of Jesus as Messiah ultimately leads to reconciliation between God and the entire world. He reasons that, if the Jews’ rejection produces such a redemptive effect, their acceptance of Jesus would bring even greater blessing. The passage uses the metaphor of an olive tree to explain how the Gentiles (non-Jewish people) have been included in God’s plan of salvation. Romans 11:11–24 Romans (PNTC)

11:13 Gentiles Paul warned Jewish Christians about the danger of arrogance (Rom 2:17). He now addresses the Gentiles with a similar warning. They must not consider themselves better than the Israelites who do not believe.

apostle to the Gentiles See note on 1:5.

11:14 provoke my people to jealousy Paul hopes that the work of salvation among the Gentiles might inspire the Jews to accept Jesus as Messiah. Compare 10:1.

save some of them Although Paul’s ministry is primarily directed toward the Gentiles, he also hopes that Gentiles’ acceptance of the gospel will lead to the ultimate goal of his work—the salvation of Israel.

11:15 the reconciliation The Greek word used here, katallagē, describes bringing two hostile parties together. Earlier, Paul explained how Christ’s death made it possible for people to be reconciled to God. Compare 5:10 and note; 5:11 and note.

the world Refers to Gentiles.

life from the dead Probably refers to the final resurrection of believers. The metaphorical language of “from the dead” is used in the nt to refer to resurrection (see Matt 28:7; Acts 3:15; 1 Cor 15:12; Heb 13:20).

11:16 first fruits Here, the metaphor could refer to Israel’s patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) or to the early church (both Gentiles and believing Jews). See note on Rom 8:23.

whole batch of dough This might symbolize all Israel or all who will be saved.

root Most likely represents Abraham—the foundational figure in God’s plan of salvation (Gen 12:3).

branches Refers to all who become children of God, both the natural descendants of Abraham and the Gentiles adopted by faith.

Gentiles

Metaphors for the Church

11:17 branches were broken off Refers to ethnic Jews who did not accept Jesus.

wild olive tree Refers to Gentile believers.

were grafted in among them Gentiles who put faith in Christ became part of God’s people along with Jewish Christians.

11:18 do not boast The Gentile Christians should not claim superiority over the Jewish origins of their faith. Rather, they should respect the means by which God brought salvation to all people.

branches Refers in this case to all Jews, regardless of whether they have faith in Christ.

11:20 stand firm because of faith Gentile Christians must recognize that their inclusion into God’s people results solely from His mercy, extended to them through Christ.

11:21 natural branches Refers to ethnic Israel.

neither will he spare you A warning to Gentile believers to remain faithful and humble in light of God’s grace.

11:22 also will be cut off Implies condemnation at the final judgment.

11:23 God is able to graft them in again Although many ethnic Jews were cut off due to their unbelief, God still could reincorporate them.

11:25–32 Paul ends his discussion of Israel’s place within God’s redemptive plan by looking ahead to the future restoration of all Israel (Rom 11:26). Earlier, Paul alluded to the salvation of a remnant of Israel (9:27; 11:5) and a hardening of the rest (v. 7). Here, he explains that Israel’s hardening is only partial and will endure only until the full number of Gentiles are saved (v. 25). Paul might be referring to a future event when the entire nation of Israel turns to Christ. Alternatively, “all Israel” could refer specifically to all the faithful followers of Yahweh throughout history. Romans 11:25–32 Romans (PNTC) Romans 11:25–32 NICNT Ro

11:25 mystery In this context, this term probably refers to three difficult issues that Paul discusses in the passage: Israel’s partial hardening, the inclusion of the Gentiles as part of God’s people, and Israel’s future role in God’s plan of salvation. Paul hopes that the Gentile Christians will not become proud or boastful of their inclusion into the people of God.

full number of the Gentiles Likely alludes to predictions that one day all nations will worship Yahweh (e.g., Isa 2:2–4; Zech 14:16–17; Matt 28:19–20). This also could refer to the completion of the mission to reach all people with the gospel. Paul viewed his ministry to the Gentiles (non-Jewish people) as integral to the fulfillment of this plan (Rom 15:24, 28).

11:26 all Israel This may refer to the nation of Israel proper—whether all of Abraham’s natural descendants, or only the elect individuals within ethnic Israel. Alternatively, it could refer to Israel as symbolic of God’s elect—all who are now part of God’s people (both Jews and Gentiles).

deliverer will come A quotation from Isa 59:20. While this passage originally refers to Yahweh, Paul seems to apply it to Christ (compare 1 Thess 1:10).

Jesus’ Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecy Table

Zion Refers to Jerusalem. Here, it might point to the heavenly Jerusalem from where Christ will return as deliverer (compare 1 Thess 1:10).

Jacob Refers to Israel. Compare Num 23:7; Isa 9:7; 40:27.

11:27 this is the covenant from A quotation from Isa 59: 21 (compare Isa 27:9). In the larger context of Isaiah, the covenant is mediated by the Suffering Servant (Isa 52:13–53:12). Jesus is the fulfillment of this prophecy, acting as the intercessor between God and humanity.

11:28 election See note on Rom 9:11.

Election

the sake of the fathers A reference to the patriarchs, whom God chose to bear His promises. See 9:1–13.

11:29 gifts and the calling of God Refers to privileges granted to Israel (9:4).

11:30 because of the disobedience Refers to Israel’s rejection of Jesus.

11:32 God confined them God allowed unfaithfulness—to which He responds in mercy (compare 3:23–25).

11:33–36 Paul presents a doxology about God’s wisdom using two quotations from the ot (Isa 40:13; Job 41:11). Both quotations celebrate God’s exalted status and wisdom over His creatures. The creatures must remain dependent on the Creator. They have no right to assume His role as Creator or judge; they do not even have anything to offer God that He might need. In light of His greatness, all humanity must recognize His mercy, which He demonstrated by offering Christ so that all who believe may be saved.