church and Israel

Good morning friends,
This passage continues the conclusion of Paul's musing about the relationship between Israel and the gentile Christians. We heard part of this chapter in worship, and the main idea came across very clearly in The Message version. The question Paul is addressing throughout chapters 9-11 is why do so many Israelites not believe in Jesus. Here he writes that their rejection of Jesus is part of God's plan to bring the gentiles to faith. Paul hopes and believes that the gentiles coming to faith in God through Christ will stir up jealousy and faith in Israel so that they too will be part of the one church. As we'll see, in the end Paul believes Israel will complete the church and we will all be one in faith and love. God's love and covenant are eternal. Thanks be to God.

blessings on the new week,
Sam

Romans 11:11-21

11So I ask, have they stumbled so as to fall? By no means! But through their stumbling salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. 12Now if their stumbling means riches for the world, and if their defeat means riches for Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!



13Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I glorify my ministry 14in order to make my own people jealous, and thus save some of them. 15For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead! 16If the part of the dough offered as first fruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; and if the root is holy, then the branches also are holy.



17But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, were grafted in their place to share the rich root of the olive tree, 18do not boast over the branches. If you do boast, remember that it is not you that support the root, but the root that supports you. 19You will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand only through faith. So do not become proud, but stand in awe. 21For if God did not spare the natural branches, perhaps he will not spare you.