Monday, July 7 – Romans 10, 11

1. Which Old Testament writers does Paul reference in Romans 10?

2. How does Paul summarize his preaching in Romans 10:8–9?

3. How does Paul describe God’s gifts and calling? (Romans 11:29)

In chapters 9 through 11 of Romans, Paul explores a profound and contentious topic: the Hebrew people as God’s people, their salvation, and the relationship between Jews and Gentiles in the church. This was a significant issue when the letter was written and continues to be one susceptible to controversy and confusion.

In chapter 10, Paul explains that the great problem of the Jews is that, although they are zealous, they live by their own righteousness and ignore God’s righteousness. The law, referring to the Pentateuch and the Hebrew worship system, is fulfilled in Christ. Christ is the end, or purpose, of the law. Zeal is commendable, but it does not save. What saves is faith in Christ.

In chapter 10, Paul quotes writers of the Old Testament, Moses, Isaiah, Joel, and David, to establish from Scripture that salvation is by faith in Jesus for everyone, both Jews and Gentiles alike. He expresses it in these true and beautiful words:

“But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart’ (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:8–10, NKJV) Amen! Isn’t it beautiful?

In chapter 11, Paul assures us there is still hope for the Jews because a faithful remnant remains, those who accepted Jesus, and others who have not yet believed but are sincere. Paul himself, being from the tribe of Benjamin, along with the apostles and other Jewish believers, serves as proof that there is still hope and salvation for Israel.

He warns the Gentiles who have believed not to consider themselves superior to the Jews, not to boast, or reject them. Doing so would be to commit the same mistake that the Jews made before. In Romans 11:15, he uses two illustrations to speak of God’s people. The first, “the first fruit is holy,” refers to the early Jewish believers.

“The first converts to the gospel were Jews… The apostles, the first workers of the church, were of the Jewish nation.” The Acts of the Apostles, p. 372 )

The original olive tree represents Israel; the “wild olive tree” grafted symbolizes the Gentiles. Both are God’s people, neither is superior to the other, and God’s power and grace save both. No one should boast. To do so is to rely on one’s righteousness, which reflects a misunderstanding of the gospel.

Rather than boasting, Paul calls us to proclaim the gospel: “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:14, NKJV

It is incomprehensible that throughout history, in so-called Christian nations like those in Europe and the United States, there has been, and still is, antisemitism among professed followers of Jesus. The painful and deadly persecution of the Jews is well documented in history. They have been called “the people who killed God.” Even Jewish Christians have suffered this stigma. It is impossible to reconcile such a spirit with Paul’s teaching in Romans.

It is Paul’s custom to announce the revelation of a “mystery” when he is about to address a difficult topic or make a profound declaration. “The fullness of the Gentiles” refers to the preaching of the gospel to the entire world.

When Paul says that “all Israel will be saved,” he does not mean that all Israelites will eventually be saved, as this would contradict his earlier statements. Rather, he indicates that the Holy Spirit will perform a special work among the Jews before the second coming of Jesus.

We read in The Acts of the Apostles: “As they see the Christ of the gospel dispensation portrayed in the pages of the Old Testament Scriptures, and perceive how clearly the New Testament explains the Old, their slumbering faculties will be aroused, and they will recognize Christ as the Saviour of the world.” The Acts of the Apostles, p. 381

“All Israel” also refers to the entire olive tree, utilizing the same illustration. It signifies both the trunk and the grafted branches; that is, “Israel” will comprise all of God’s people from every race. God’s promises to Abraham are fulfilled not only in the Jews but also in Jews and Gentiles, in the church. “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” Romans 11:29, NKJV

At the end of his discussion on this sensitive topic, Paul bursts into praise: “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! ‘For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor?’” Romans 11:33–34, NKJV

This should be our posture when studying any complex subject: “I don’t understand everything, but I believe in God’s love, in His wisdom, and I trust in Him. Praise be to God!”

May God grant you a very blessed day with your loved ones.