Gentiles Will be Saved
July 18, 2020
Commentary
Paul was appointed as a missionary to the Gentiles (v.13). He reminded his Jewish brethren of this fact, hoping that they too would want to be saved (v. 14). The Jews had been rejected, and thus Gentiles were being offered salvation. When a Jew comes to Christ there is great rejoicing. It was as if the dead person had come back to life (v. 15). Speaking to Gentile Christians, Paul warns them to not feel superior because God rejected some Jews (v. 18). They must keep in mind Abraham’s descendants are the root of a productive tree, and the Jewish people are the tree’s natural branches (vv. 19-21). However, because of their faithlessness they were as broken branches, and the Gentile believers were grafted in their place. Both Jews and Gentiles share the tree’s nourishment based on faith in God. Neither can rest on heritage or culture for salvation. “Continue in His goodness” (v.22) refers to steadfast perseverance in faith. Steadfastness is a proof of the reality of faith and a by-product of salvation, not a means to it.
The Jewish people have a marvelous history and heritage, but everyone needs to be aware of the Bible’s teaching on God’s plan for Israel (vv. 23-24). In this passage Paul teaches us about how Israel’s unbelief has led to the hardening of their hearts toward Jesus Christ and the blessed Gospel of peace. Since most Jews have rejected Christ, God has rejected them. They have missed the way, the truth, and the life found in Jesus Christ. Yet, we learn in Romans 11 that God has special plans for their regathering, restoration, and redemption (Rom. 11:26). When Israel rejected Jesus Christ, the nation lost her favored position before God, and the Gospel was then preached to the Gentiles. God allowed this so that the Jews would hopefully become jealous and turn back to God.
Application
I never want to take for granted what God has done in and through my life. I am so thankful that God has provided salvation for both Gentiles and Jews. This salvation is through simple faith in Him, and not because of what I do or don’t do.
Romans 11:13– 24 (NET)
13 Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Seeing that I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, 14 if somehow I could provoke my 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 portion of the dough offered is holy, then the whole batch is holy, and if the root is holy, so too are the branches.
17 Now if some of the branches were broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among them and participated in the richness of the olive root, 18 do not boast over the branches. But if you boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. 19 Then you will say, “The branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” 20 Granted! They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but fear! 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, perhaps he will not spare you. 22 Notice therefore the kindness and harshness of God—harshness toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness toward you, provided you continue in his kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off. 23 And even they—if they do not continue in their unbelief—will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. 24 For if you were cut off from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these natural branches be grafted back into their own olive tree?