Romans 11
BSB1 I ask then, did God reject His people? Certainly not! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God did not reject His people, whom He foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says about Elijah, how he appealed to God against Israel: 3 “Lord, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well” ? 4 And what was the divine reply to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal." 5 In the same way, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. 6 And if it is by grace, then it is no longer by works. Otherwise, grace would no longer be grace. 7 What then? What Israel was seeking, it failed to obtain, but the elect did. The others were hardened, 8 as it is written: “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see, and ears that could not hear, to this very day." 9 And David says: “May their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution to them. 10 May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see, and their backs be bent forever." 11 I ask then, did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Certainly not! However, because of their trespass, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel jealous. 12 But if their trespass means riches for the world, and their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their fullness bring! 13 I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry 14 in the hope that I may provoke my own people to jealousy and save some of them. 15 For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? 16 If the first part of the dough is holy, so is the whole batch; if the root is holy, so are the branches. 17 Now if some branches have been broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others to share in the nourishment of the olive root, 18 do not boast over those branches. If you do, remember this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. 19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in." 20 That is correct: They were broken off because of unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, He will certainly not spare you either. 22 Take notice, therefore, of the kindness and severity of God: severity to those who fell, but kindness to you, if you continue in His kindness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. 23 And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. 24 For if you were cut from a wild olive tree, and contrary to nature were grafted into one that is cultivated, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree! 25 I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you will not be conceited: A hardening in part has come to Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come from Zion; He will remove godlessness from Jacob. 27 And this is My covenant with them when I take away their sins." 28 Regarding the gospel, they are enemies on your account; but regarding election, they are loved on account of the patriarchs. 29 For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable. 30 Just as you who formerly disobeyed God have now received mercy through their disobedience, 31 so they too have now disobeyed, in order that they too may now receive mercy through the mercy shown to you. 32 For God has consigned everyone to disobedience so that He may have mercy on everyone. 33 O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways! 34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?" 35 “Who has first given to God, that God should repay him?" 36 For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.
Study Notes — Romans 11
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Romans 11
- Themes from Romans 11
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Romans 11
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
In Romans 11, Paul addresses the question of whether God has rejected His people, Israel. He affirms that God has not rejected Israel, citing his own example as an Israelite who has come to faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 11:1). Paul explains that Israel's partial hardening is a temporary condition, allowing for the salvation of the Gentiles, and that a future day will come when all Israel will be saved (Romans 11:25-26). The chapter concludes with a doxology, praising God's wisdom and mercy in His sovereign plan (Romans 11:33-36).
Context for the Chapter
Romans chapter 11 is part of Paul's epistle to the Romans, which is a comprehensive treatment of the gospel and its implications for believers. The chapter is situated in the second half of the epistle, which focuses on the practical applications of the gospel. The chapter is closely related to Romans 9-10, which discuss God's sovereignty in salvation and the relationship between Israel and the Gentiles.
Heart Application
The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's sovereign plan and to recognize the temporary nature of Israel's hardening. Believers should also be mindful of their own spiritual condition and seek to understand God's plan for their lives. Ultimately, the chapter points to the future day when all Israel will be saved, and believers should look forward to this day with hope and anticipation.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Romans chapter 11 explains that God has not rejected Israel, but has temporarily set them aside to allow the Gentiles to be saved. This is a part of God's sovereign plan, which will ultimately lead to the restoration of Israel and the salvation of all people. As Paul says in Romans 11:25-26, a partial hardening has come upon Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in, after which all Israel will be saved.
Voices from the Church
“The hardening of Israel is not a total rejection, but a temporary setting aside, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. This is a mystery, which God has revealed to us, that we might understand His sovereign plan.”
— John Calvin
“The salvation of Israel is a future event, which will take place when the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. This is a day of great joy and triumph, when all Israel will be saved, and God will be glorified in the salvation of His people.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to the Mystery (Romans 11:1-10) — Paul introduces the mystery of Israel's partial hardening and explains that God has not rejected His people.
- The Temporary Nature of Israel's Hardening (Romans 11:11-24) — Paul explains that Israel's hardening is temporary and will last only until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.
- The Future Restoration of Israel (Romans 11:25-32) — Paul reveals that a future day will come when all Israel will be saved, and God will be glorified in the salvation of His people.
- The Wisdom and Mercy of God (Romans 11:33-36) — Paul concludes the chapter with a doxology, praising God's wisdom and mercy in His sovereign plan.
- Conclusion (Romans 11:33-36) — The chapter concludes with a statement of praise and adoration for God's wisdom and mercy in His plan.
Core Doctrines
- Sovereignty of God
- The chapter teaches that God is sovereign in salvation history, and His plan is not based on human merit or achievement but on His sovereign choice.
- Temporary Nature of Israel's Hardening
- The chapter emphasizes that Israel's hardening is temporary and will last only until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.
- Salvation of Israel
- The chapter reveals that a future day will come when all Israel will be saved, and God will be glorified in the salvation of His people.
- Wisdom and Mercy of God
- The chapter concludes with a doxology, praising God's wisdom and mercy in His sovereign plan.
Lessons from Romans 11
- God's Sovereignty in Salvation History — The chapter teaches that God is sovereign in salvation history, and His plan is not based on human merit or achievement but on His sovereign choice.
- The Temporary Nature of Israel's Hardening — The chapter emphasizes that Israel's hardening is temporary and will last only until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.
- The Salvation of Israel — The chapter reveals that a future day will come when all Israel will be saved, and God will be glorified in the salvation of His people.
- The Wisdom and Mercy of God — The chapter concludes with a doxology, praising God's wisdom and mercy in His sovereign plan.
- The Importance of Understanding God's Plan — The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's sovereign plan and to recognize the temporary nature of Israel's hardening.
Themes from Romans 11
- God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty in salvation history, revealing His wisdom and mercy in His plan.
- The Temporary Nature of Israel's Hardening — The chapter explains that Israel's hardening is temporary and will last only until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.
- The Salvation of Israel — The chapter reveals that a future day will come when all Israel will be saved, and God will be glorified in the salvation of His people.
- The Wisdom and Mercy of God — The chapter concludes with a doxology, praising God's wisdom and mercy in His sovereign plan.
- The Importance of Understanding God's Plan — The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's sovereign plan and to recognize the temporary nature of Israel's hardening.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the mystery that Paul is referring to in Romans 11:25?
- What is the temporary nature of Israel's hardening, and how does it relate to the salvation of the Gentiles?
- What is the future day that Paul is looking forward to in Romans 11:26?
- How does the chapter conclude, and what is the significance of the doxology in Romans 11:33-36?
- What are the implications of this chapter for our understanding of God's sovereignty in salvation history?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to the Mystery (Romans 11:1-10)
| 11:1 | Paul introduces the mystery of Israel's partial hardening and explains that God has not rejected His people. |
| 11:2 | Paul cites the example of Elijah, who thought he was the only one left, but God revealed that there were 7,000 who had not bowed to Baal. |
| 11:3 | Paul explains that he is an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, and that God has not rejected His people. |
| 11:4 | Paul reveals that God has preserved a remnant of Israel, just as He preserved 7,000 in the days of Elijah. |
| 11:5 | Paul explains that this remnant is chosen by grace, not by works, and that it is a demonstration of God's mercy. |
| 11:6 | Paul emphasizes that if it is by grace, then it is no longer by works, and that God's mercy is not based on human achievement. |
| 11:7 | Paul explains that Israel has not attained what it sought, but the elect have obtained it, while the rest were hardened. |
| 11:8 | Paul cites the example of David, who wrote that God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that would not see, and ears that would not hear. |
| 11:9 | Paul explains that David wrote that they might stumble and fall, and that this has happened to Israel. |
| 11:10 | Paul reveals that God has given them a spirit of stupor, and that they will stumble and fall until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. |
2. The Temporary Nature of Israel's Hardening (Romans 11:11-24)
| 11:11 | Paul explains that Israel's hardening is not total, but partial, and that it is temporary. |
| 11:12 | Paul reveals that Israel's transgression has led to the salvation of the Gentiles, and that their loss has become the riches of the world. |
| 11:13 | Paul explains that he is speaking to the Gentiles, and that he magnifies his ministry in the hope that he might provoke his fellow Jews to jealousy. |
| 11:14 | Paul reveals that he hopes to save some of them, and that this will lead to the salvation of all Israel. |
| 11:15 | Paul explains that if their rejection has led to the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? |
| 11:16 | Paul reveals that if the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches. |
| 11:17 | Paul explains that if some of the branches were broken off, and he, a wild olive shoot, was grafted in among them, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree. |
| 11:18 | Paul warns the Gentiles not to boast over the branches, for they do not support the root, but the root supports them. |
| 11:19 | Paul explains that the branches were broken off because of unbelief, and that the Gentiles stand by faith. |
| 11:20 | Paul warns the Gentiles not to be arrogant, but to fear, for if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will He spare them. |
| 11:21 | Paul reveals that if God is willing to graft the natural branches back into their own olive tree, how much more will He graft the Gentiles back into the tree. |
| 11:22 | Paul warns the Gentiles to consider God's kindness and severity, for He is kind to those who continue in His kindness, but severe to those who have fallen. |
| 11:23 | Paul explains that if they do not continue in unbelief, they will be grafted back in, for God is able to graft them back in. |
| 11:24 | Paul reveals that if they were cut off from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and were grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree. |
3. The Future Restoration of Israel (Romans 11:25-32)
| 11:25 | Paul explains that a partial hardening has come upon Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. |
| 11:26 | Paul reveals that after this, all Israel will be saved, and God will be glorified in the salvation of His people. |
| 11:27 | Paul explains that this will happen when the Deliverer comes from Zion, and He will turn godlessness away from Jacob. |
| 11:28 | Paul reveals that concerning the gospel, they are enemies for the sake of the Gentiles, but concerning the election, they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. |
| 11:29 | Paul explains that the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable, and that He will fulfill His promises to Israel. |
| 11:30 | Paul reveals that just as the Gentiles were once disobedient to God, but have now received mercy, so too will Israel receive mercy. |
| 11:31 | Paul explains that Israel has now become disobedient, in order that they might receive mercy, just as the Gentiles have received mercy. |
| 11:32 | Paul reveals that God has consigned all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all. |
4. The Wisdom and Mercy of God (Romans 11:33-36)
| 11:33 | Paul exclaims, Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! |
| 11:34 | Paul asks, For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been His counselor? |
| 11:35 | Paul reveals that no one has given to God, that He might be repaid, for from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. |
| 11:36 | Paul concludes, To Him be the glory forever! Amen. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mystery that Paul is referring to in Romans 11:25?
The mystery is the temporary hardening of Israel, which allows for the salvation of the Gentiles, and ultimately leads to the restoration of Israel to faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 11:25-26).
What is the temporary nature of Israel's hardening, and how does it relate to the salvation of the Gentiles?
Israel's hardening is temporary and will last only until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in, after which all Israel will be saved (Romans 11:25-26).
What is the future day that Paul is looking forward to in Romans 11:26?
The future day is when all Israel will be saved, and God will be glorified in the salvation of His people (Romans 11:26).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 11:1 → Isaiah 46:13 | Paul's statement that God has not rejected His people is consistent with Isaiah's prophecy that God will gather Israel from the ends of the earth. |
| 2 | Romans 11:2 → 1 Kings 19:18 | Paul's reference to the 7,000 who had not bowed to Baal is an allusion to the prophet Elijah's experience, as recorded in 1 Kings 19:18. |
| 3 | Romans 11:8 → Psalm 69:22-23 | Paul's citation of David's words about a spirit of stupor is consistent with Psalm 69:22-23, which speaks of God giving the wicked a spirit of stupor. |
| 4 | Romans 11:26 → Isaiah 59:20-21 | Paul's statement that all Israel will be saved is consistent with Isaiah's prophecy that the Redeemer will come to Zion and turn godlessness away from Jacob. |
| 5 | Romans 11:27 → Isaiah 27:9 | Paul's statement that the Deliverer will come from Zion is consistent with Isaiah's prophecy that the Lord will come to Zion to redeem His people. |
| 6 | Romans 11:33-36 → Job 11:7-9 | Paul's doxology, praising God's wisdom and mercy, is consistent with Job's statement that God's wisdom and knowledge are unsearchable. |
| 7 | Romans 11:1 → John 1:1 | Paul's statement that God has not rejected His people is consistent with John's statement that God is love, and that He desires the salvation of all people. |
| 8 | Romans 11:25 → Hebrews 1:1-3 | Paul's statement that a partial hardening has come upon Israel is consistent with the author of Hebrews' statement that God has spoken to us through His Son, and that He is the radiance of God's glory. |
Sermons on Romans 11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(People God Uses) 04 Knowing the Word of God by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of running the race of serving the Lord Jesus Christ with all-out effort. He refers to the book of Acts, highlighting the powe |
|
A Spirit of Slumber by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher expresses concern about the spiritual state of Christians in America. He criticizes those who spend excessive time watching television and indulging in |
|
Art Katz Testimony by Ark Katz by Art Katz | This sermon recounts the personal journey of a Jewish atheist who, through a series of profound encounters and revelations, comes to a life-changing realization of God's existence |
|
Salvation by Faith (Reading) by John Wesley | In this video, James Christian introduces the John Wesley Sermon series, which aims to bring classic Christian texts, including Mr. Wesley's sermons, into audiobook form. He highli |
|
|
(Becoming a Prophetic Church) 2. Jewish Unbelief by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker recounts his experience of hand-delivering a book to a Jewish man named Mr. Sherman. Despite the speaker's hopes for a face-to-face conversation, Mr. Sh |
|
The Uniqueness of Israel - Part 2 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the ultimate goal of God's plan for His people: to dwell in the land and be in a covenant relationship with Him. The speaker uses the analogy |
|
|
At the End of Time - Part 2 by Derek Prince | This sermon delves into the concept of enduring through hardships as a form of training from God, emphasizing the need for courage and perseverance in spreading the gospel despite |
|
Christ: Perfect Manhood by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker explores the nature of man and how God created him. The purpose of man's creation is to be inhabited by God and used for His purposes. The speaker empha |
|
|
Faith and Works - Part 1 by Derek Prince | This sermon delves into the essence of the gospel as outlined by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15, emphasizing the three historical facts that constitute the gospel: Christ died for our si |
|
|
Beware of Dogs - Part 1 by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker delves into the importance of defending the true gospel of Jesus Christ and warns against false teachings that add human effort to salvation. Paul's str |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Romans 11
In this chapter, the apostle Paul unfolds the mystery of God's dealings with the Jews and the Gentiles. He shows that God has not cast away His people, but has temporarily set them aside to make room for the Gentiles. Paul explains that this is a temporary condition, and that a future day will come when all Israel will be saved. He concludes the chapter with a doxology, praising God's wisdom and mercy in His sovereign plan. As Matthew Henry comments, 'The apostle's design is to show that the rejection of the Jews is not total, but only partial, and that it is not final, but only for a time.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Pattern of Salvation
The chapter reveals a pattern of salvation in which God's plan for Israel and the Gentiles is intertwined. Israel's temporary setting aside allows for the salvation of the Gentiles, and ultimately, all Israel will be saved.
God's Sovereignty
The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty in salvation history, revealing His wisdom and mercy in His plan. God's plan is not based on human merit or achievement but on His sovereign choice.
Temporary Nature of Israel's Hardening
The chapter emphasizes that Israel's hardening is temporary and will last only until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. This temporary condition allows for the salvation of the Gentiles and ultimately leads to the restoration of Israel.