Romans 11:25-36
Q.1. What mystery did the apostle unveil? When will this happen? How did he support his prediction? How did he explain the position of Israel? – (Rom.11:25-29)
A New Testament mystery is an unveiling. The hardening of the hearts of Israel is not complete, but only partial – For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery–so that you will not be wise in your own estimation–that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in (Rom.11:25). How could Paul claim such a thing? He based his prediction on the prophets of old, as he quoted from Isaiah 59:20-21 and Jeremiah 31:31-34 (c.f. Ezk.36:25-29). This will not happen – until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in (Rom.11:25). Throughout the Acts of the Apostles the mystery unfolded, as the Gospel was presented according to Christ’s blue-print – … you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth (Acts 1:8), and concluded with Paul’s declaration – Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will also listen (Acts 28:28). Paul presented the claims of Christ to the Jews in the synagogue first. After this, the Gospel was entrusted to the Gentiles (Rom.15:7-21). How, then, are we to view Israel today? Paul explained the paradox this way – From the standpoint of the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but from the standpoint of God’s choice they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable (Rom.11:28-29). Since God views them this way, we too should deeply love them.
Q.2. Why will God not break His Covenant with Israel? How did Paul explain God’s mercy? To whom does this apply? What does this mercy reveal about God? – (Rom.11:29-32)
God chose Israel to be a witness to the nations (c.f. Dt.4:6-8; Isa.42:6-8; 43:10-13). As Paul explained in the first three chapters of this book, all people without exception have failed God, and are rightly under His wrath. Despite Israel’s failures, God will uphold His end of the bargain, since – the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable (Rom.11:29). Paul explained why this is so: (i) No people qualify for God’s grace, based on their own righteousness – Rom.11:32. (ii) We were once disobedient and subject to His wrath, yet we were shown mercy – Rom.11:30 & 32. (iii) Israel is in the same state of disobedience as we were – so these also now have been disobedient, that because of the mercy shown to you they also may now be shown mercy (Rom.11:31).
Q.3. Why are God’s grace and mercy so unfathomable? What makes our objections so inexcusable? How did Paul sum up God and His plan? – (Rom.11:33-36)
Paul presented God as being totally in a league of His own. It is utterly impossible for our finite minds to comprehend God’s thinking. No one has ever been able to give God advice on anything at all, since His grand plan was conceived before time began – Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! (Rom.11:33 c.f. Rom.11:34-35). All our puny objections are inexcusable since the best any of us can do is to theorize. The greatest of minds can only understand the tiniest fraction of what we can observe. This should make us withhold our objections and admit that there is so little about God and creation that we can hope to comprehend. Like Job, we should respond – Behold, I am insignificant; what can I reply to You? I lay my hand on my mouth … (Job.40:4). Paul summed up God and His plan this way – For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever (Rom.11:36). The wonder is that One so great should have condescended to represent us as our sin-bearer and substitute, when we were lost in our trespasses and sins. Indeed, everything comes from His good hand. He is the reason and inspiration behind all such magnificence.