1. VIII. Jew and Gentile: Unity of Destiny (9:25-11:36)
    1. I. God Will Restore (11:25-11:32)

Calvin (3/11/02-3/12/02)

11:25
Paul speaks to his readers of a mystery, but for the purpose of quelling their pride. He still attacks the pride that might come to us as we seek a path that others before us failed to take advantage of. He also, with this same mystery, keeps us from despairing when the Lord tarries over the completion of His promised redemption. Footnote: (Pr 3:7 - Don't think yourself wise, but fear the LORD, and turn from evil.) We are cautioned against thinking too highly of ourselves. It should be noted that the mystery declared by Paul is one he is making known as he speaks. Thus, it would appear to be a reference to the very fact of Israel's restoration to grace rather than the means thereof. (1Ti 3:16 - We all confess that the mystery of godliness is a great mystery: The One revealed in flesh, testified to by the Spirit, known to angels, declared in the nations, believed in the world, and taken up in glory. 1Co 15:51 - I tell you a mystery; we will not all be in the grave, but all of us shall be changed. Ro 16:25 - Christ Jesus, of whom I preach, is able to establish you, according to the revelation of that which was kept a mystery for long ages past.) [The editor takes these last two as both being revealed mysteries, yet the Corinthian statement, and this passage both seem to me to be half-revealed. The fact of the mystery is declared, but not the revelation.] The partial hardening is not a function of time or quantity, but a matter of softening the previous declarations regarding Israel. The fullness of the Gentiles is more than was seen in the occasional proselyte, but such a fullness that the Church has become a Gentile majority. Footnote: This explanation of the verse is incorrect, nor is it seemly to consider 'Israel' to be a reference to the general church in the next verse. The hardness was indeed both of a subset of Israel, and for a finite time, which time Paul specifies immediately. That time is bounded by the fullness of the Gentiles. If the fullness of Israel lies in the whole nation, so also that of the Gentiles. Thus, before the whole of the Jewish nation is brought in, all the remaining nations of the earth will have been brought to the point of professing Christian faith. And what a revival that final saving of the Jews will bring to the Church!
3:26
Israel is here taken to mean more than just the Jewish nation, for Paul has the completion of the kingdom in sight, which completion contains both Jew and Gentile, the Jews having the privilege of place, due to their status as God's chosen. (Gal 6:16 - Those who walk by this rule, continue in peace and mercy, they who are the Israel of God.) This clearly refers to both the Gentiles and the Jews, as they are being contrasted with the fleshly children of Abraham, in whom faith is not found. Paul quotes Isa 59:20 in part, (A Redeemer will come to Zion, and to those among Jacob who turn from sin.) Certainly, there will be a believing remnant found in that people. That Paul quotes only in part is no great issue. His intent was to point his readers in the direction of Scripture, where they could read for themselves the whole word. The Church is declared God's Israel in honor of that people He has chosen for Himself, and their preeminence is not lessened. God continues to lay a special claim upon His chosen nation. Footnote: Paul's departure from plain quotation of Scripture is greater here than any place else. Where the Hebrew has the Deliverer coming to Zion, and the Septuagint has Him coming for Zion, Paul has Him coming from Zion. Where the text has Him coming to those who turn themselves from sin, Paul has Him doing the turning. Depending upon the translation given the Isaiah text, Paul may actually capture the meaning of this last phrase better. Though he varies so from the original text, Paul's message is plain: Christ's office is reconciliation. As such, His presence coming to a faithless people cannot but bring change.
11:27
Paul adds a quote from Jeremiah to what he has already said so as to remind his readers that it is the Messiah that is being spoken of. Footnote: Some place the quote as Isa 27:9 - (Through this will Jacob's sins be forgiven, the full price of pardon paid: When he has crushed the altar stones, and the Asherim will not stand.) However, it is closer to Jer 31:33 - (This is the covenant I will make with Israel after that time: I will put My law within their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.) This quote makes it clear that their return will include remission of their sins, making it less incredible that they might be returned to God's favor. Until their sins are so remitted, God will have no further part with His people.
11:28
As poorly as we may view the state of the Jews at present, we cannot forget that their disobedience was still a matter of God's providence, bringing salvation to us. Neither can we forget that God's gifts are irrevocable. They will return, for it is His will.
11:29
The gift and the calling are both references to God's act of adoption. Footnote: Alternatively, the gifts are the promises of God, and the calling is the origin of those gifts in His election. Many see the gifts as including faith, forgiveness, holiness, and salvation. In this view, the calling is none other than the effectual call of the Spirit, which ensures that some among the Jews will come to faith in every age, and that the nation as a whole will come to faith in due time. It is also pointed out that this same irrevocable calling is an assurance for us in the so-called Christian nations of the west. Those nations God has called, He will restore to true religion however low the true faith has sunk. Our hope is in the irrevocable nature of His gifts and calling. However dark the present state, God has not abandoned His people. He cannot and will not renege on His covenant. (Ge 17:7 - I will establish My covenant with you and your descendants forever, to be God to you and your descendants.) The gospel is not in opposition to election, it is an expansion of that work God had begun with Abraham. Where before He had chosen one people, He now expands His choice to include all peoples.
11:30-11:31
The inclusion of the Gentiles was not the cause of Israel's blindness, rather their blindness gave rise to the sending of the Gospel into the nations. Likewise, the Gospel did not come to the Gentiles in response to faith, nor does our faith serve as merit for the continuance of that Gospel. No. All lies on God's mercy.
11:32
Here then is sufficient reason for us to despair of nobody's salvation. Apart from His mercy, we were even as they, and if His mercy had room for us, we must allow that His mercy has room also for them. By our actions, we have become equally guilty before God. By His mercy, He is equally able to save us, be we Jew or Gentile. Yet, we cannot impute the cause of our sin to Him. He may arrange the circumstance, but we yet make the choices, and thus come under judgment. By this way alone could our works be done away with completely, that salvation could be seen to come from His goodness alone. Footnote: God has sufficiently proved by His word that we are by nature unbelievers. By our reactions to His providence, He has proved by our choices that His words were accurate. He has stated the facts, we have shown the facts factual. His judgment is just. He has not forced us into sin, but merely revealed our own nature to us. (Ro 3:9 - Are we somehow better than they? No, for all are sentenced under sin. Gal 3:22 - Scripture has shown all men to be condemned by their own sins. Why? So that the promise could be given by faith in Jesus Christ to those who believe.) No man can show in himself reason for God's favor, nor can any restrict God as to whom He would give favor to. God freely saves whom He will, but this is no proof that He saves all indiscriminately. Certainly, the offer of salvation is given equally to all, yet it remains to each individual to seek the offer by faith. [This seems to put faith back in man's court.]
 
 
 

Matthew Henry (3/12/02-3/13/02)

11:25
The salvation of the Jews is a mystery, as it seems so unlikely in a people so universally opposed to Christ. It is equally a mystery that the Gentiles were saved. (Eph 3:3 - By revelation was the mystery explained to me: Eph 3:6 - that the Gentiles were heirs with us, fellow partakers of the promise in Christ. Eph 3:9 - I was blessed with the task of making this mystery clear, which God had kept hidden for so long.) The mystery of their salvation is not revealed here, only that the mystery exists. The how is not explained, only the fact is declared so as to keep the Gentiles from pride and conceit. There remains a remnant, though the larger part of Israel be blind to their own salvation. That blindness will continue until the Gentile work is completed. Then they will be remembered. This is God's purpose, that by holding off the Jews until the Church was refilled, He could show that His recall of the Jews was not for need of them, but an expression of grace.
11:26-11:27
Conversion is but the beginning of salvation, but that work must continue to their inclusion in the Church. (Ac 2:47 - They found favor with the people, and God was daily adding those being saved to their number. Isa 59:20-21 - A Redeemer will come to Zion, and to those who turn from their sins, for My covenant is with them. I have said it: "My Spirit upon you, and My words in your mouth will not depart from you, nor from your children, nor from your children's children forever.") The Deliver would indeed come to Zion, but Paul speaks as one who has seen that day, and thus declares the Deliverer coming from Zion, as a stream of living water. (Isa 2:3 - Many peoples will come to the mountain of the Lord to seek the God of Jacob, to be taught of His ways so as to walk in them. The Law will spread from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. Lk 24:47 - Repentance and forgiveness of sins should be declared in His name to all nations, starting in Jerusalem.) Christ's purpose in coming was to end ungodliness by pardoning in mercy, to overpower sin with renewing grace, and so to save His people. (Mt 1:21 - Mary will bear a Son to be named Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.) In this role, His first attention was upon the sons of Jacob, yet in the end, it is extended to all the world. (Ac 3:26 - God raised His Servant for you first, to bless you by turning you from your sins.) It is to the repentant that Christ comes as Redeemer. He comes as an avenger to those who insist in their sins. (Dt 30:2-3 - If you return to the LORD in obedience, then the LORD will restore you with compassion, and gather you from the lands to which He had scattered you. Eph 2:19 - You are no longer aliens, but fellow citizens of God's household. Ps 24:4-6 - He who is pure and without lies will receive the LORD's blessing, and righteousness as well from the God of his salvation. This is the Jacob generation: those who so seek the LORD. Ac 3:25 - You are the prophets' sons, the sons of God's covenant with Abraham, in whom the world shall be blessed. Heb 8:12 - I will be merciful to their sinfulness, remembering their sins no more) It is a covenant matter with God, who cannot lie. The pardoning of sin is the foundation of the blessings given in that covenant.
11:28
The foundations of the Church lie in God's love for the fathers. (Dt 4:37 - He chose the descendants because He loved the fathers. It was for their sake that He personally brought you out of Egypt by power.) That love remains, and will bring a revival of the Jews, so that privilege may be restored. It is this kindness to the children because of the parent which is called the kindness of God. (2Sa 9:3 - Is there none from Saul's house to whom I may show the kindness of God? 2Sa 9:7 - Fear not. I will be kind to you for the sake of your father Jonathan, and will restore Saul's lands to you, and feed you at my own table.) In time, their hatred of the Gentiles will fade, and God's love will be remembered. (Lev 26:42 - Then will I recall my covenant with Jacob, with Isaac, and with Abraham. Then will I remember the land.) The sins of the fathers may indeed be remembered for several generations, yet God's mercy continues for thousands of generations. Though generations may fail of salvation, yet God has room for the nation in His body.
11:29
Inasmuch as repentance is a change of mind, God never repents. Nor does His love change towards us; "whom He so loves, He loves to the end." (Ge 6:6 - The LORD was sorry He had made man. 1Sa 15:11 - He regretted making Saul king, for Saul did not follow Him as he ought.) Yet, never has God been sorry to have given grace and effectual calling to a man.
11:30-11:31
It is good for us to remember what we were before His mercy was shown, that we may have compassion on those yet in unbelief, and pray for them. Again, we see Paul showing that the easy must come more surely than the difficult. If our mercy came about due to their unbelief, how much more will their mercy come from our own! It should be a given that we who are saved would seek to persuade those who are not. "True grace hates monopolies."
11:32
All are equally convicted before God by their unbelief. The Jews, in their current blindness, are not so different from what we were. (Gal 3:22 - Scripture has condemned all men for sin, so that the promise that comes by faith in Christ Jesus could be given to those who would believe.) Those who refuse Him, He will refuse. The 'all' to whom mercy will be shown is not every individual. Rather, it refers to nations. All nations will have known His mercy. The restoration of the Jews will not be a restoration to the rites of the past, for those have been done away with, the real having cast aside the shadow. They will, however, be joined with us in worship of the true Messiah, sheep of one fold, together with us. Some would say this has already come to pass, that it was done at the fall of Jerusalem, when the bulk of the survivors turned to Christ. Others see it yet to come, a part of the end times.
 
 

Adam Clarke (3/13/02-3/14/02)

11:25
A mystery is a doctrine that was not formerly revealed, or that requires special instruction to comprehend due to its profound nature. Thus is the restoration of the Jews described, and thus also the whole of Christian religion. (Ro 16:25 - He is able to establish you in this gospel I preach, and which Jesus Christ preaches, according to the revealing of the mystery that was kept secret for so long.) Until Christ, Christianity was unknown. The mystery of the Jewish restoration was still unknown, but Paul here explains as much as is revealed to make clear that the rest will come. The things Paul addresses here and elsewhere suggest that the Gentile church had not thought of the Jews as they ought. A first reminder is that not all the Jews had been so blinded as to reject Christ, the majority perhaps, but not the whole. This blindness, Paul says, will continue until the greater part of the world has come to Christ, which will in turn lead them to examine Christianity anew, and so come to Christ themselves. How are we to see this timing? It seems probable that the fullness of the Gentiles involves Christianity's spread into what are currently pagan or Islamic nations. It seems unlikely that an effectual conversion of every Gentile and every Muslim is intended, but more likely a general acceptance of Christianity, and acknowledgement of Christ's divinity.
11:26
Salvation, in this case, is not an inclusion in eternal glory, for it is not to be believed that a time will come when every single Jew will have a saving knowledge of Christ. Rather, it is, as is the usual case for Israel, a gathering them out of the world to be separated unto God once more. The prophecy recalled in this verse cannot be applied to the events of Pentecost, for that was past history when the letter was written. The fulfillment remains to come, and the details of it are not ours to know.
11:27
This and the preceding verse should be taken as a parenthetical statement, with the subject of v25 continued in the following verse. Here is a partial list of Scriptures that point to the future restoration of Israel. (Isa 2:2-5 - In the last days the mountain of the LORD's house will be the chief mountain, and nations will run to it. Many peoples will come to that mountain, to God's house, to be taught of His ways so as to follow them. From Zion will spread the word of the LORD. Isa 19:24-25 - Then, Israel will be a blessing upon the earth, even as Egypt and Assyria have been. For the LORD has declared Egypt a blessing, and Assyria the work of His hands, and He also declares Israel His inheritance. Isa 25:6 - The LORD prepares a grand banquet for all nations on that mountain, with fine wine and choice meats. Isa 30:18-19 - He longs to be gracious, waits to have compassion, for He is just. You, who long for Him are so blessed! Oh Zion! Your weeping is ended, for He will be gracious to you when He hears you, and He will answer. Isa 30:26 - The moon will be as the sun, and the sun as the light of a whole week when the LORD comes to heal the wounds of His people, which He has inflicted. Isa 60 - just go read it. Isa 65:17 - I create a new heaven and earth in which the former things are not even remembered. Jer 31:10-12 - He who scattered Israel will gather them and keep them as a flock, for He has redeemed Jacob from his strong oppressor. They will come shouting for joy to Zion. They will shine in the LORD's bounty toward them, abounding in grain, wine, and oil, in flocks and herds. Never again will they lapse. Jer 46:27-28 - Do not be dismayed, Israel, for I will save you from afar. Your descendants will be returned from captivity and established securely. Do not fear. I am with you. I will make an end of the nations where I have punished you, but you, I will not make an end of. I will, however, correct you and punish you as I must. Eze 20:34 - I will gather you from among the nations with a mighty hand, and I will pour out my wrath. Eze 20:40 - On My mountain, the whole nation of Israel will serve Me, and I will accept them. Eze 28:25-26 - When I gather Israel from the nations, and make My holiness known before the nations in them, then they will dwell in the land I gave them, and they will be secure there. They will build and plant and live in safety when I judge those who scorn them. Then will all know that I am the LORD their God. Eze 34:20 - Behold I will judge between the sheep. Eze 36:8-15 - The lands of Israel will bear fruit for Israel for their return is imminent. I am for you, and you will be cultivated. I will cause men to multiply in your lands, the whole house of Israel will inhabit you, and even the wasted places will be rebuilt. Man and beast will both be fruitful in your lands, and you will be treated better than before. So will you know I am the LORD. By Me, Israel will once more possess you, and you will be their inheritance, never to be taken away again. They say you are a killer of men, but no more, for I will not have the nations insulting you any longer. No more will you be a disgrace or a stumbling block to the nation. Eze 37:21-28 - I will take Israel from among the nations where they have been and bring them back to their land. There, they shall be one nation with one king over them all. No longer shall there be two nations of Israel, and no longer will they defile themselves with their sins, for I will deliver them and cleanse them and they will be My people, and I will be their God. David will rule them, a single shepherd over them, and they will obey My statutes. They will dwell in the land I gave them forever, and David will be forever their prince. I will make an eternal covenant of peace with them, and will set My sanctuary in their midst forever. I will dwell with them and be their God, and they will be My people. So will the nations know that I sanctify Israel, when My sanctuary is established in her forever. Eze 39:25 - I will restore Jacob's fortunes, and have mercy on all Israel. I will be jealous for My name, for it is holy. Joel 3:1-2 - In those days, when I restore Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all the nations and judge them on behalf of My people Israel whom they have scattered. Joel 3:17 - Then you will know I am Your LORD, dwelling in Zion. Jerusalem will be holy, and no stranger will come there. Joel 3:20-21 - Judah and Jerusalem will be inhabited forever and I will avenge all whom I have not yet avenged, for the LORD dwells in Zion. Amos 9:9 - I will shake Israel among the nations, as grain is shaken, but not one kernel will fall to the ground. Ob 17 - On Mount Zion there will be those who escape. Zion will be holy, and Israel will possess its possession. Ob 21 - The deliverers will ascend Mount Zion to judge Esau, and the kingdom will be the LORD's. Mic 4:3-7 - He will judge between nations, and they will no longer train for war. Each will sit on his own possession without fear because the LORD has spoken. Though others may walk with their gods, we will walk in the name of the LORD forever. He declares that He will gather the lame and outcast in that day, and make them a remnant, a strong nation over whom He will reign forever from Mount Zion. Mic 7:18-20 - Who is God like You, pardoning sins, and forgiving rebellious acts in the remnant of Your possession? His anger is not forever, his delight is unchanging love. His compassion will come again, and He will tread down our sins, and cast them into the sea. Truth He will give to Jacob, and unchanging love to Abraham, as He swore in days of old. Zeph 3:19-20 - I will deal with your oppressors in that day, saving the lame, and gathering the outcast, turning their shame to praise and honor in the earth. Then I will bring you in and gather you together. I will give you honor and praise among the nations when I restore your fortunes in your own sight.)
11:28
The unbelieving Jews are currently enemies to God because of His choice in extending grace to the Gentiles. However, when it comes to His purpose in election, they remain the peculiar chosen people of God.
11:29
As regards His gifts and His calling, there is no changing His mind. Their restoration is not just a possibility, it is a certainty. When God repents, it indicates a change of His purpose because of conditions surrounding His promises. Where the 'if' condition is not satisfied, He cannot justly provide the 'then.' (Jer 18:7-10 - I may speak of destroying a kingdom. Yet, if that nation then turns from evil, I will relent. Likewise, I may speak of building up a nation. Yet, if it does evil and disobeys Me, I will not bless it as I promised.)
11:30
We Gentiles were in the same state as the Jews are today, rebellious and alienated from God. But that rebellious state was not permanent, we were taken in. Thus, through their own unbelief, the covenant is now fulfilled by the Gentiles, and their own unbelief has become more obstinate.
11:31
Rebellion is no more permanent for them. They will be drawn back to God by the mercy shown to Gentiles. Their restoration is just as certain as our own present inclusion.
11:32
Both Jew and Gentile are guilty in God's sight, chained by their own unbelief and awaiting sentencing. (Ro 1:19-20 - What is known of God is evident to them, for He made it so. So long as the world has existed, His invisible attributes, power, and divinity have been seen and understood by those who have seen what He has created. They have no excuse. Ro 2:14-15 - Though the Gentiles had not the Law, yet they do the things of the Law by instinct, acting as a law to themselves, since the Law is written on their hearts, and their conscience is witness both for prosecution and defense for them.) We have been tried, and found guilty. We sit in the jail of unbelief until the time of our execution. But God, not by merit, but by His own compassion, has issued a pardon.
 
 
 

Barnes' Notes (3/14/02-3/16/02)

11:25
The mysteries of the New Testament are those doctrines God had not previously revealed. It is not that the matters are necessarily complex and hard to understand. So it is with the ending of the division between Gentile and Jew. It's easy enough to understand, it just hadn't been declared so plainly in the past. (Ro 16:25 - He is able to establish you in the Gospel both I and Jesus Christ have preached, in accord with the revelation of that long-kept mystery. Col 1:26-27 - That mystery was hidden for ages, but now is manifest to His saints, for He willed to make the riches of His glory known among the Gentiles: Christ in you, the hope of glory. 1Co 15:51 - I tell you a mystery; though we shall not all be dead, yet we all will be changed. Mk 4:11 - You have been given the mystery of God's kingdom, but the outsider is given only parables. Eph 1:9 - He made the mystery of His will known to us by His own kind intention and for His own purpose. Eph 3:3 - That mystery, which I have spoken of briefly before, was made known to me by revelation.) By declaring the simple truth of this doctrine, speculation and vain imaginations are ended on the matter. Such speculations were likely to bring swelled heads, and a lack of compassion toward the Jews. (Ro 11:7 - Israel sought, but did not obtain, except for those who were chosen. The rest were hardened.) Yet, that hardening is not complete, the blindness is not total. Some saw and believed. More would yet do so. (Ro 11:12 - If their sins were such richness to the Gentile world, what will their fulfillment bring?) And here, the time of their fullness, of their return to Messiah, is tied to the time of the Gentile fullness. Even today, the bulk of the nations are far from God, but Scripture tells of a time when this shall not be so, when the Gospel message will prevail throughout the nations. Jews are not required to await that time before returning, for certainly there will converts throughout the process. Indeed, as we just saw in v12, the influx of the Jews into the Church will bring revival to the nations. How, if the nations were already completely converted? Our efforts should then be toward the conversion of both pagan and Jew.
11:26
The time will come when the nation of Israel is recovered to God, when the divine favor shown to Israel would again be manifest to the nations. This does not state a guarantee that every single Jew will at that time turn to God, but that the nation as a whole, as a majority trend, will do so. The timing of this is not ours to know. (Ac 1:7 - It is not yours to know the Father's timing in these events. His timetable is fixed by His own authority.) Their conversion is certain, so as to encourage our efforts on their behalf. The timing is uncertain, so that our efforts shall not weaken with time, nor languish waiting the proper time. Isaiah 59:20 is quoted, but not verbatim. The reference in Isaiah is, however, clearly to the time of the Gospel. Mount Zion, as one of the hills of Jerusalem, represents the people of God. From them would Messiah descend.
11:27
Here, Paul connects two prophecies. (Isa 59:21 - This is My covenant with them: My Spirit upon you, and My words in your mouth will not depart from you, nor from your offspring forever. Jer 31:33-34 - This is My covenant which I will make in that time: I will put My law within them, upon their heart, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. No longer will they teach each other to know Me, for they all will know Me, for I will forgive their sins, and remember them no longer.) The gist of these promises was well known to the Jews, and with them, Paul had no argument, so he reminds by summarizing. The covenant promises were not under debate. Restoration would come, but the timing and the means are left uncertain. No re-appearance of Messiah to call them personally is promised, nor is there any outright claim that they would be given back their own nation in this verse. By our efforts, they may well be brought back to God, and so repaid for preserving His holy worship, and preparing Messiah's way. Then shall we rejoice together at having been used to aid the spread of the knowledge of Him.
11:28
Because of election, the Jews remain beloved to God, yet in their present state of opposition to Messiah, they are enemies. (Col 1:21 - You were formerly hostile of thoughts, doing evil deeds. Ro 5:10 - While we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son. How much more will we be saved now that we are reconciled, by the life of His Son. Ro 11:8 - God gave them a sleeping spirit, blinded eyes, and deaf ears, even to this day. Ro 11:11 - They did not utterly fall, but their sins became a reason for salvation to come to the Gentiles. Ro 11:19-20 - You are correct in saying that branches were broken off to make a place for you. Just remember that they were broken off for unbelief, and you remain because of faith. Don't be proud in this, but fear.) God still purposes to have mercy on them, but this does not require that He approve of their present actions. (Dt 10:15 - On your fathers, the LORD set His affections, choosing their descendants after them, even you, above all peoples.) Salvation remains by faith, yet God will not forget His promises. No merit in the patriarchs makes this so, but solely God's regard for His own covenants. The security we see in this cannot be a license to sin. "No man has any security of happiness, and of favor of God, but he who complies with the terms of His mercy." Repent and believe.
11:29
A gift is always a matter of favor, and not obligation. Ro 5:15-16 - The free gift is not like the sin. By the sin of one, many died. Moreso, the grace of God and the gift by grace of the one Man, Jesus abounded to many. The gift is not like what sin brought, for judgment arose from one sin resulting in condemnation, but the free gift came for many sins, and resulted in justification. Ro 6:23 - The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.) All of God's gifts are such free and undeserved offerings. God's calling, by whatever means He may call, imply a pledge that He will give favor, and not turn from that favor. It is not external privilege, but the internal influence God exercises upon the sinner to turn him back to Himself. God's purposes do not change, even in giving favor. His promises and purposes He will do. (Nu 23:19 - God is not like man, that He would lie or change His ways. What He has said, He will do. Eze 24:14 - I have spoken. It is coming. I will act, and will not relent nor have pity. I shall judge you as your ways deserve. 1Sa 15:29 - The Glory of Israel will neither lie nor change His mind, for He is not like a man. Ps 89:35-36 - I have sworn by My holiness. I will not lie to David. His descendants shall endure forever, and his throne be like the sun before Me. Tit 1:2 - Hope of eternal life, which God promised long ago (and He cannot lie.) Heb 6:18 - By two unchangeable things, in which it would be impossible that God should lie, we have our encouragement, who have fled to Him for refuge in the hope He set before us. Jas 1:17 - Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming from the Father, with whom there is no change or deceptive shadow.) All God's promises will be fulfilled. In persecution, we need not be discouraged. Faith and pardon are not temporary. If true friends of God, we will not be left to ruin. Were He to do so, it would imply that He does indeed repent of His purposes. That being so, He would be unworthy to govern creation, and unworthy of our trust. He would not be God.
11:30
Prior to the Gospel, we were as idolatrous and sinful as the next pagan. (Eph 2:2 - You used to walk like any other in this world, following after the prince of the power of the air, the same spirit that now works in the disobedient sons. Ac 14:16 - In past generations, He permitted the nations to go as they would.) Unbelief was our characteristic, yet we find ourselves pardoned and in His favor. This has come about as a result of Israel's unbelief, and God's rejection of them for that cause. (Ro 11:11 - They have not fallen utterly, but by their sins, they have sent salvation to the Gentiles, by which they will themselves be made jealous.)
11:31
Because God's mercy had gone out to the Gentles, He ensured that the Gospel would again be preached to the Jews. Mercy in the heart of the Gentiles would compel them to seek the salvation of their blinded fellowmen. In this, we see that their salvation will come not through miracle, but through the preaching of the Gentiles. This preaching will come of the mercy and compassion God has engendered in our hearts. Although past efforts to bring the Jews to Christ have failed, yet a time comes when such preaching will be effective. And when they come, their coming will bring a rapid expansion of the Gospel throughout the world. May it come soon!
11:32
Disobedience has enclosed us all like a prison, or a city under siege. (Lk 5:6 - They enclosed such a quantity of fish in their nets, that the nets began to break. Gal 3:22 - Scripture has shut up all men under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. Ro 11:23 - If they don't continue in their unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able.) All are imprisoned, and each is liberated only in God's way and in God's timing. God has not compelled us to this disbelief. We got there just fine on our own. A man is imprisoned for a crime he voluntarily committed, and so it is with us. Those who carry out justice in the case are not wrong in doing so. God does not compel unbelief, but only declares that we are in unbelief when we are, and His evidence is sufficient to prove to us our own case. Thus are we brought to the need for a Savior. He permitted this unbelief, it is true, but so as to serve His purpose of redemption. He had to leave us powerless before we would depend on His power. Sin is voluntary. When we walk in unbelief, God declares our true condition, and makes use of it to work His plan of salvation. Both Jew and Gentile, then, have been imprisoned by their unbelief. Until guilt was made clear, mercy could not be shown. This is no proof that all shall be saved, but only that all who are saved will be saved on the same terms: God's mercy. This is the conclusion of Paul's entire argument in this letter. All that he has reasoned through since the start of Romans leads up to this point. All come to God in an equal state, and all depend on the single hope of salvation that He holds forth: His own mercy and grace.
 
 
 

Wycliffe (3/16/02)

11:25
Paul's writing returns to a general addressing of both Jew and Gentile in the Roman church.
11:26-11:27
All may not be every individual, but sufficient numbers of individuals will be saved, as to make Christian beliefs the norm for the nation. Israel's salvation has long been connected with the actions of the Deliverer, in support of which, Isaiah 59:20-21 and Isaiah 27:9 are quoted. That work of the Deliverer is tied by Paul to the time of the Gentile fulfillment, which yet remains future.
11:28
The majority of Jews remain hostile to Christianity, yet the Christian must regard them as the beloved people of God. Though far from God presently, they remain His elect. Election may be of a nation, a remnant, or a smaller group, as God determines the task of that elect group. (Ro 11:5 - There has come to be even at this time, a remnant of God's gracious choosing. Jn 6:71 - Jesus was speaking of Judas, who, being one of the twelve, was to betray Him.)
11:29
God is faithful. The gifts indicate the privileges known by the Jews. (Ro 9:4-5 - To them belongs the adoption, the glory, and the covenants, the Law, the temple service, and the promises. Theirs are the fathers, and from them came Christ in the flesh - He who is over all, blessed of God forever. Amen.) The calling is God's declared choosing of that people. (Isa 48:12 - Listen to me, Israel, whom I called; I am. I am the first, and I am also the last.)
11:30-11:31
The Gentiles experienced mercy because Israel had become disobedient. The Jews would experience mercy because of the mercy shown the Gentiles.
11:32
God, then, has shown the disobedience of every man, so that His mercy upon every man might be shown. Not that He is thus required to save every man, for His mercy is given even to those who despise it. (Ro 2:4 - Do you then think so little of His rich kindness and patience? Don't you know that it is His kindness that leads you to repentance?)
 
 
 

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown (3/17/02)

11:25
A mystery, in this sense, is not an incomprehensible matter, but a matter newly disclosed. (Ro 16:25 - He is able to establish you in this gospel, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages. 1Co 2:7-10 - We speak the mystery of God's wisdom, that which He predestined; a wisdom not known to the rulers of this age. Had they understood it, they would not have crucified Him. But things beyond all we ever saw or imagined are prepared for those who love God. This God has revealed to us through the Spirit, who searches all the depths of God. Eph 1:9-10 - He made the mystery of His purpose and intention known to us; a purpose that looks to the time when all things will be completed in Christ both in heaven and on earth. Eph 3:3-6 - The mystery was revealed to me, and you understand my insight into that mystery of Christ. No other generation has known what is now revealed to His apostles and prophets; that the Gentiles are joint heirs, members of the body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Eph 3:9-10 - [I have been tasked with] bringing to light the mystery which God had hidden away, so that His wisdom might be made evident through the Church to powers in heavenly places.) We are warned against considering the Jews permanently cut off. Where blindness has come, it has come totally, yet there remains a part of the chosen race that is not so blinded. This does not point to some requirement that the nations be fully converted prior to Israel's return. In v15, Paul told us that many would come to Christ in the nations because of Israel's return. Rather, the fullness of time for the Gentiles is the period for which they alone are the Church. (Lk 21:24 - Jerusalem will be overrun by the Gentiles until the time of the Gentiles is fulfilled. Mk 13:20 - Unless the Lord had shortened those days, none would have lived; but He did shorten the days for the sake of His elect.)
11:26
By the context of the chapter, it is clear that we are not discussing spiritual Israel here, nor are we restricted to the remnant. It is the nation as a whole that is in view. It is the nation at large that will be saved. That this is true, Paul offers several evidences for. First, from Isaiah and the Psalms, the same sources he had used to show man's sinfulness. (Ps 14:7 - Oh that salvation would come out of Zion! When Israel is restored, Jacob will rejoice. Isa 59:20 - A Redeemer will come to Zion, to those who repent of their sins in Jacob. Ps 20:2 - May He send you help from the sanctuary, from Zion. Ps 110:2 - The LORD will stretch Your scepter from Zion, saying "Rule even amongst Your enemies." Isa 31:9 - His leaders will be terrified by the standard, says the LORD. His fire is in Zion, His furnace is in Jerusalem.) Paul's words do not follow either the Hebrew or the Septuagint precisely, yet his wording captures the sense properly.
11:27
Another prophet is also brought to witness to the salvation of the Jews. (Jer 31:31-34 - The day comes when I will make a new covenant with Israel, unlike the one I made with their fathers out of Egypt. That covenant, they broke, even though I was as a husband to them. But this is the covenant I will then make with Israel: I will put My law upon their heart, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. No longer will a man teach his neighbor to Know the LORD, for they all will know Me, for I will forgive their sins, and remember them no more.) To claim that the OT prophecies for Israel ended at Christ's advent is to ignore the evidence. Paul's very use of those prophecies makes clear that they still apply, and the terms of the Abrahamic covenant, itself, confirm this to be the case.
11:28
Though presently excluded for their unbelief, yet they remain beloved to God, as sons of the covenant of Abraham. (Ro 11:11 - Their fall was not total, but such as brought salvation to the Gentiles, whose salvation shall in turn move them to jealousy. Ro 11:15 - If their rejection was reconciliation to the world, what will their acceptance bring?)
11:29
God's gifts, His callings, cannot be repented of. The covenant cannot be broken by Him. The Abrahamic covenant remains in effect for any who will heed its terms. That this is true only to the spiritual Israel, the Israel made of Jews and Gentiles, is not possible, for Paul here speaks of an Israel that is averse to the Gospel, which cannot well be that spiritual Israel that is the Church. The fleshly nation of Israel remains a chosen nation because of the covenant terms, because of God's choosing. (2Chr 20:7 - Didn't You drive out the former inhabitants of this land before Israel, and give it to the children of Abraham forever? Isa 41:8-10 - You, Israel, My servant, whom I have chosen, son of My friend Abraham, you whom I have taken from all the earth and said, 'You are My servant, I have chosen you and not rejected you. Don't be afraid for I am with you. Don't be anxious for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.')
11:30
We, too, knew a time when we were not yielded to God, not obedient to faith.
11:31
Even so, they are presently in that state. In this, God has purposed to show them mercy through the very mercy shown to us. He has chosen to use us as instruments in turning His people back to Himself. (2Co 3:15-16 - Even now, when Moses is read, their hearts are blocked from understanding. But when a man turns to the Lord, the blockage is removed.)
11:32
All have known unbelief, both Jew and Gentile. All may know His mercy, both Jew and Gentile. Again, make note that we do not look at individuals here, but peoples. The all need not be every person for Paul's word to be true.
 
 
 

New Thoughts (3/18/02-3/21/01)

When first I was looking back through this passage, I see that the following question was heavy on my mind: "What is it that God wants to accomplish in me?" I dwelt on it long and hard at that time, as several new responsibilities were coming upon me. In the end, the conclusion of my musings was captured in: "Do all that You would do in and through me, oh Father, and let me be found faithful to comply to Your will." Well, a year and more has passed since that point. I have learned to deal with the roles that were new then, and now, there comes a fresh crop of new and nebulous matters to be concerned with, if I so choose.

However, looking at the things I have pulled out to think about in this pass, I see a new answer to my question. I see that I have vastly overcomplicated God's answer. I think that in many ways, these two verses sum up what it is God wants to accomplish in me. (Pr 3:7 - Don't think yourself wise, but fear the LORD, and turn from evil. Is 27:9 - When all idols are crushed and removed, the price of Jacob's sin will be paid and he will be forgiven.) That's it. That's what He's after. He's not all that concerned with what I may be doing in this ministry or that. He's not all that concerned with what position I may attain to at work. His concerns are far simpler than that: turn from evil, crush every idol in your life. That's all. Even above the work of evangelism stands this task. As Scripture says, what profit is it to man if he gain the whole world, but loses his own soul? What is my eternal state if I have saved many by my words, yet lost my own soul by my actions?

Lord, I don't ask, at this point, that You reveal those idols to me, for there's enough of them to choose from already. I do, however, ask for the strength to take that step of crushing them, of being done with them for good and all. There are those I think I've mastered, only to find that they've simply gone into hiding for a time, to rear up again. There are those attitudes which have no place in a son of God, yet which seem to be so much a part of me. They ought not to be. Help me, oh my Lord, to truly do away with them. Remake me, my Father, in an image more fitting for Your family. Create in me a heart that will inspire jealousy in my family and friends, a healthy jealousy for a more intimate walk with You.

There has been much talk around church circles these days of how this is the time of Elijah, that is the Joshua generation, this is the Moses generation, and so on. I find another generation in view during this study, though, and I find that it's a generation I'd like to be part of: The Jacob generation. Look how they are described. (Ps 24:6 - This is the Jacob generation: those who so seek the LORD.) How do they seek the LORD? What is it that identifies them as God-seekers? It is character, a character that God declares of them in the same passage. (Ps 24:4 - He has clean hands, a pure heart, a soul that knows no falsehood, and a tongue that swears to no lie.) And how does God react to such a generation? (Ps 24:5- That one shall receive the LORD's blessing, and the LORD's righteousness. The LORD shall be the God of his salvation.) Who would not want to be a part of that generation! To know the LORD's righteousness, the LORD's blessing! Yet the price tag is steep. Purity in all aspects of life is a requirement. Indeed, how can we seek the LORD, and still seek after sin? Such things ought not to be.

Lord, too often I've not been seeking You. Too often I've fooled myself into thinking I was, but have been settling for a drugged conscience, a false hope. I want the real thing, my God. I want change. I want this life I live to reflect Your presence in every moment, and I know it doesn't. I want to stand strong in You, even in my weakness. I want to be part of that Jacob generation, to seek You as I ought, to live as I ought, to serve as I ought. Come, Holy Spirit, and help me to change, build in me the image of Christ, that He may be manifest in all I do.

But, oh, how thankful I am that Your love for me is not conditioned upon this. Whom You love, You love to the end. Indeed, Your gifts, Your calling are irrevocable, Your promises are yes, and amen. They are more certain than the sunrise! Lord, though my heart be troubled to see who I am, yet my hope is strong, knowing what I must become, for You love me, You have called me Your own. You have called me! That's just so amazing! To think that You would choose such as I, who so long sought any other god but You, who so long have refused to give You all, but have carefully partitioned the pieces I'll let You into. As though I can resist Your love, Your desire! Even now, I hear my thoughts saying, "all to You," yet at the same time, I hear that muttered, "except this." I am a house divided, as is, I suspect, every man. Lord, end the division, strengthen my spirit within me, that the muttered exceptions will be drowned out by the shout of devotion!

A number of things stood out to me in this study in regard to the condition of the Jews today. Foremost among these is the fact that their present disobedience is as much a matter of God's providence as our salvation. We tend to want to blame the devil for the 'bad' things, and credit God with the good. However, all too often, the 'bad' is just our viewpoint. Is the unbelief of the Jews bad in God's sight? It brought salvation to the Gentiles. Was that bad? It will eventually lead to the Jews being saved as well, and uniting with the Gentiles in belief. Is that bad? Unbelief is certainly bad. However, God's plans, the things He brings about by our choices, are for good. Remember who it is that Scripture says shut us all up under sin. Satan is not given the credit for that. God is. He did not cause us to sin, nor did He tempt us to sin. He merely arranged circumstances so as to reveal to us what was our true nature and need.

Another thing that's been coming up of late is the restoration efforts ongoing in Israel. Attempts are being made, we are given to understand, to rebuild the Temple, and re-establish all the rites and ceremonies that went with it. Many look at it with great excitement, even in the Church, for they see in it yet another sign that Christ's coming is soon. But this cannot be the restoration He speaks of! Is God likely to re-establish the shadow when the true has come? Is this any kind of revival among His people? This is not a returning of the Jews to true faith, but a return to the shadows of religion. Further, we are told that their restoration will come about through being made jealous by us. Are we helping to re-establish the earthly Temple? Not that I can see. Nor can I see any Biblical mandate that we ought to.

Our mandate is to make them jealous by our position as the Bride. We are not in competition for our Husband, for we understand that He can properly love both Jew and Gentile as He ought. Yet, they have always known themselves exclusive partners to God, and the idea of a significant other should provoke them to jealousy - especially as they see Him returning the love we show Him. Our mandate is to work so as to draw them back to the God they have so long abandoned. This is, as Barnes points out, no more than to repay them in part for all they have done in preserving His worship, and in preparing the way for Messiah. Now it's our turn to do the same.

One more thing, however, we must hold clear. The time of the Jewish fulfillment remains future. The fullness of time for the Gentiles remains future. The details of these things God has not deigned to make clear, and to speculate upon them is beyond foolhardy. How is it not rebellion against God to require of Him that He reveal to us what He has chosen not to? Who are we, to insist that He tell us clearly of those things He has already said are not ours to know? What is this, but humanism in religious garb? The apostles asked for details. The Father said no. How would we deal with a child that kept asking, when he'd already had the answer? We should remember that we are children of God, and He is our Father.

There was a very eloquent description, in Adam Clarke's comments, of our common situation, the plight common to every man that comes to live on earth. We are, he writes, whether Jew or Gentile, guilty in God's sight, and chained by our own unbelief to await the sentence. There is no difference, no distinction to set either Jew or Gentile apart. It is the same offense that has brought each one into this prison of our own making. Chained by unbelief in a prison of unbelief, we await our own just execution. But God, for no merit found in us, but solely due to His own great compassion, has issued a pardon! The doors of our jail of unbelief have been opened, and the chains have dropped from our limbs. However, many, like Peter in the night of his imprisonment, haven't yet awakened to what God has done. Free to depart their deathwatch, the continue to sit and wait. What a sad thought.

We have all come to God in an equally poor state. The Gospel has come to us all on equal terms. The Gentiles did not receive the Gospel because of their faith. Their faith was of no greater merit than the works of the Jews. For faith to somehow deserve the Gospel would be to make faith a work in itself, and this cannot be. No. Faith, like the Gospel that came to us, comes as a gift of God, an expression of His compassion towards us. That is our sole hope of salvation, the singular path to life that God offers: His mercy, and His grace - a total setting aside of our own agendas and achievements.

That hope we cling to is anchored in the office of Jesus Christ, our Reconciler. His office is our reconciliation to God. As Calvin tells us, in that office, His presence coming to us, a faithless people, cannot but bring change. How can we possibly claim to hold on to Him, to cling to the hope of salvation, and yet continue as we were? We, who have been pardoned from our death sentence, will we seek a return to the cell? We, who understand that we are not, in this gift of life, getting what we deserve, but something infinitely more wonderful and utterly opposite, will we not prepare ourselves for this change of life?

Oh, Father! In so many ways, I convict myself by my own writings, here. I have been guilty of failing to value what You have done. I have been attempting to keep far too much of my life as it was, to live in some sort of spiritual schizophrenia. It's time to be done with that! But it's not in me to make the break. It needs Your hand. It needs Your Spirit to bring the change in me, that I might be willing to put the parts of my life back into a whole picture of You. Even as I type this, my Lord, I can feel the flesh rebelling. What shall I do, but to lean wholly upon You, my Savior, my Healer! I need You. I need Your life in me, that I might live in You and for You. Will You come? Will You bring the healing I truly need? The healing of this wounded spirit? Come, Lord. Come.