Welcome to the next Bible Study of Romans, Chapter 11:

Let’s reason and take an inspiring verse by verse look at “Romans 11:1-36“, followed with a Summary and Prayer.

Verse 1: “I say then, Hath GOD cast away his people? GOD forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.”

Paul begins by addressing a concern that GOD has rejected His people, Israel. He emphasizes that he himself is a Jew, showing that GOD’S promises to Israel remain valid.

Verse 2: “GOD hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to GOD against Israel, saying,”

Here, Paul asserts that GOD has not completely abandoned Israel. He references Elijah (Elias) to illustrate that even in times of great apostasy, GOD maintained a faithful remnant.

Verse 3: “LORD, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.”

Paul quotes Elijah’s lament, which reflects his feelings of isolation and despair over Israel’s unfaithfulness. He demonstrates that GOD’S concern for His people transcends their failings.

Verse 4: “But what saith the answer of GOD unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.”

GOD’S response to Elijah reveals that a remnant of faithful Israelites still exists. This indicates GOD’S ongoing plan and preservation of a loyal people.

Verse 5: “Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.”

Paul draws a parallel to his day, affirming that a remnant of Israel remains, chosen by grace not by works or merit.

Verse 6: “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.”

This verse emphasizes the distinction between grace and works. Salvation is based solely on GOD’S grace, not on human effort, which preserves the integrity of grace.

Verse 7: “What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.”

Paul contrasts the faithful remnant (the elect) with the rest of Israel, who were spiritually blinded due to their rejection of GOD.

Verse 8: “(According as it is written, GOD hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.”

Paul cites Scripture to explain the spiritual state of Israel. GOD has allowed them to experience a form of spiritual blindness as a consequence of their disobedience.

Verse 9: “And David saith, Let their table be made a snare and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them:”

Paul references David, highlighting that even in their provisions, the Israelites have stumbled and fallen due to their rejection of GOD.

Verse 10: “Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.”

Continuing the theme of blindness, Paul describes the tragic result of their refusal to acknowledge GOD spiritual darkness and burden.

Verse 11: “I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? GOD forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.”

Paul reassures that Israel’s stumbling is not final. Instead, GOD uses their fall to bring salvation to the Gentiles, creating a dynamic where Israel might be provoked to seek GOD once more.

Verse 12: “Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?”

Paul highlights that while Israel’s fall has led to blessings for the Gentiles, their eventual restoration will bring even greater blessings.

Verse 13: “For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:”

Paul identifies himself as an apostle to the Gentiles, underlining his mission while also emphasizing his Jewish heritage.

Verse 14: “If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.”

Paul expresses his hope that his ministry will motivate some Jews to embrace salvation through CHRIST, indicating his love for his fellow Israelites.

Verse 15: “For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?”

Here, Paul hints that the restoration of Israel will have radical implications, akin to resurrection and restoration of life.

Verse 16: “For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.”

Paul uses the analogy of firstfruits and roots to illustrate that if some of Israel is holy, so too is the rest, indicating the interconnectedness of the covenant.

Verse 17: “And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;”

Paul addresses Gentile believers, reminding them they are grafted into GOD’S promises and heritage through faith, highlighting GOD’S inclusive divine plan.

Verse 18: “Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.”

A warning against arrogance; Gentiles should remember their position is due to GOD’S mercy and not superiority over the Jewish people.

Verse 19: “Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.”

Paul anticipates the argument that the cutting off of the Jews has made room for the Gentiles, emphasizing misunderstanding of the divine plan.

Verse 20: “Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not high minded, but fear.”

Faith, not pride, sustains the Gentiles. Paul reminds them of the importance of humility and reverence towards GOD’S work.

Verse 21: “For if GOD spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.”

Paul warns that just as GOD did not spare unbelieving Israel, He will not spare those who do not hold onto faith.

Verse 22: “Behold therefore the goodness and severity of GOD: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.”

A reminder of GOD’S dual nature His goodness towards believers and His severity towards those who falter a call to perseverance.

Verse 23: “And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for GOD is able to graff them in again.”

Paul assures that restoration is possible for Israel, highlighting GOD’S capacity to restore those who turn back in faith.

Verse 24: “For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?”

Paul emphasizes the natural connection of Israel to GOD’S olive tree and the miraculous nature of the Gentile inclusion, affirming hopes for Israel’s restoration.

Verse 25: “For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.”

Paul introduces the notion of a mystery regarding Israel’s partial blindness, which has a divine purpose until the Gentile fullness is realized.

Verse 26: “And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob.”

Paul affirms a future hope for Israel’s salvation through CHRIST, indicating GOD’S faithfulness to His covenant promises.

Verse 27: “For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.”

The verse reiterates that GOD’S covenant with Israel includes the removal of sins, showcasing GOD’S redemptive plan.

Verse 28: “As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes.”

Paul makes a distinction in Israel’s current state versus their covenant standing. Their rejection of the gospel does not erase GOD’S love for them.

Verse 29: “For the gifts and calling of GOD are without repentance.”

GOD’S gifts and calling are irrevocable, demonstrating His faithfulness and constancy in fulfilling His promises.

Verse 30: “For as ye in times past have not believed GOD, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:”

Paul shows the reciprocal nature of mercy Gentiles have received mercy through Israel’s unbelief, creating a rich tapestry of GOD’S divine plan.

Verse 31: “Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.”

Similarly, Israel’s current unbelief provides an opportunity for them to receive mercy through the Gentiles, highlighting GOD’S overarching grace.

Verse 32: “For GOD hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.”

Paul explains that GOD’S divine plan involves both Jew and Gentile in unbelief, emphasizing His desire to extend mercy to all.

Verse 33: “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of GOD! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!”

Paul breaks into a doxology, praising the incomprehensible wisdom and paths of GOD in managing salvation history.

Verse 34: “For who hath known the mind of the LORD? or who hath been His counsellor?”

This rhetorical question underscores the sovereignty of GOD and the futility of attempting to counsel or comprehend His divine intentions fully.

Verse 35: “Or who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed unto Him again?”

Another question emphasizing that no one can outgive GOD. His grace and mercy are given freely, not as a responded obligation.

Verse 36: “For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”

Paul concludes with a profound statement of GOD’S sovereignty in all things, calling for eternal glory to GOD, affirming that everything originates from Him, is sustained through Him, and is ultimately directed to Him.

Let’s summarize Romans Chapter 11:

In this Chapter of “Romans 11:1-36”, Paul addresses the status of Israel concerning GOD’S overarching plan of salvation. He reassures believers that GOD has not rejected Israel; rather, a remnant remains faithful, preserved by grace. The rejection of CHRIST by many in Israel has led to the inclusion of Gentiles in GOD’S redemptive plan, yet Paul emphasizes the hope of Israel’s eventual restoration. He encourages both Jews and Gentiles to maintain humility and faith, reminding them of GOD’S unchanging promises. Overall, Romans Chapter 11 reveals the mystery of GOD’S redemptive history, showcasing His wisdom, mercy, and the complex interrelationship between Jews and Gentiles in the family of GOD.

Let us Pray:

Dear LORD, almighty
HEAVENLY FATHER, we thank You for Your incredible wisdom and patience as You unfold Your divine plans through history. We are grateful that Your promises are faithful and that neither Jew nor Gentile is beyond Your grace. Help us to understand and embrace our part in Your story. May we live humbly and faithfully, reflecting Your infinite love to others. We pray for the peace of Jerusalem, for the salvation of Israel, and for unity among believers. Thank you dear LORD, almighty HEAVENLY FATHER. We pray this throughout the mighty, glorious, fulfilling name of JESUS CHRIST. Amen!

Much LoVe, JoY, Peace and Blessings to You, through JESUS CHRIST, our almighty dear LORD, SAVIOUR and REDEEMER!