Bible Discussion Thread

Romans 11 is a chapter in the New Testament where the Apostle Paul addresses the relationship between Israel and the Gentiles within the context of God's salvation plan. It serves as a theological treatise on God's sovereignty, mercy, and the mystery of His grace.

The Remnant of Israel

Paul begins by asserting that God has not rejected His people, Israel. He cites his own identity as an Israelite and references the story of Elijah to illustrate that God always preserves a remnant of faithful believers ( Romans 11:1-5). This remnant is chosen by grace, not by works, underscoring the continuity of God's promises to Israel.

Gentiles and the Olive Tree Metaphor

Paul introduces the metaphor of the olive tree to explain the relationship between Israel and the Gentiles ( Romans 11:17-24). The natural branches (Israel) were broken off due to unbelief, and wild olive shoots (Gentiles) were grafted in. However, Paul warns the Gentiles against arrogance, reminding them that they stand by faith and could also be cut off if they do not continue in God's kindness. This metaphor highlights the unity and interdependence of both groups within God's redemptive plan.

The Mystery of Israel's Salvation

Paul speaks of a "mystery" regarding Israel's partial hardening until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in ( Romans 11:25-27). He prophesies that all Israel will be saved, referencing the Deliverer coming from Zion to turn godlessness away from Jacob. This eschatological promise affirms God's unchanging covenant with Israel.

Mercy and God's Wisdom

In the concluding section, Paul extols the depth of God's wisdom and knowledge, marveling at His inscrutable judgments and unsearchable ways ( Romans 11:33-36). This doxology reflects Paul's awe at the inclusiveness of God's mercy and the mysterious ways in which He orchestrates salvation history for both Jews and Gentiles.

Amen Abebatabat.

Romans 11:30-32.

For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:

Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.

For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

God is speaking of the NATURAL BRANCHES. Paul's Kinsman of the flesh!

God bless you.

I am reminded, who is the "Israel" of God? Gal 3:28,29.. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29) And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the "promise" amen to that.

Yes Brother , we call ourselves Christians but we are Israel ! Physical Israel was born of the covenant of physical circumcision and the law of Moses , spiritual Israel is born through Christ , the circumcision of the heart and the law of love !

Abebatabat

Speaking on'Gentiles and the Olive Tree',you'highighted the unity and interdependence of both groups within God's redemptive plan', and"The natural branches(Israel)were broken off due to unbelief, and wild olive shoots(Gentiles)were grafted in'.

The Word of GOD shows us the existence of two Olive Trees and Two Candlesticks:The two olive trees(source of oil -the OTand NT-, two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of THEMSELVES- Zechariah 4:11-14),and the two candlesticks(two Churches:the Gentile Church,and the Jewish Church- Hebrews 12:22-24)are standing before the God of the earth(the person of the Holy Spirit).

Many Jews attended the Church in Rome,there were dissensions among them,so Paul wrote:Ro.2:1-11:

1Therefore thou art inexcusable,O man,whosoever thou art that judgest:for wherein thou judgest another,thou condemnest thyself;for thou that judgest doest the same things.

2But we are sure that the judgment of GOD is according to truth against them which commit such things.

3And thinkest thou this,O man,that judgest them which do such things,and doest the same,that thou shalt escape the Judgment of GOD?

4Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering;not knowing that the goodness of GOD leadeth thee to repentance?

5But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself WRATH against the Day of WRATH and REVELATION of the righteous Judgment of GOD;

6Who will render to every man according to his deeds:

7To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality,ETERNAL LIFE:

8But unto them that are contentious,and do not obey the Truth,but obey unrighteousness,INDIGNATION AND WRATH,

9TRIBULATION and ANGUISH,upon every soul of man that doeth evil,of the JEW first,and also of the GENTILE;

10But glory,honour,and peace,to every man that worketh good,to the JEW first,and also to the GENTILE:

11For there is no respect of persons with GOD.