Romans 11 - Introduction

Twenty-third Passage (chap. 11). God's Plan in Israel's Rejection.

The apostle has proved in chap. 9 that when God elected Israel, He did not lose the right one day to take the severest course against them, if if it should be necessary. Then he has showed in chap. 10 that in fact there was a real ground and moral necessity for this measure. He proceeds, finally, to establish in chap. 11 that it was taken with all due regard to the position of this people, and within the limits in which it should subserve the salvation of mankind and that of Israel themselves.

This chapter embraces the development of two principal ideas, and then a conclusion. The first idea is this: The rejection of Israel is not total, but partial (Romans 11:1-10). It bears only on that portion referred to in the demonstration of God's right, given in chap. 9. The second: This partial rejection even is not eternal, but temporary (Romans 11:11-32). For after it has served the various ends which God had in view in decreeing it, it shall come to an end, and the entire nation shall be restored, and with the Gentiles shall realize the final unity of the kingdom of God. The conclusion is a glance at this whole vast plan of God, and the expression of the feeling of adoration which is inspired by the contemplation, Romans 11:33-36.