Romans 11 — Verse by Verse Bible Study | 365 Days of Grace & Worship

Romans 11 reveals the 'mystery' of God's plan for Israel: the partial hardening of Israel is temporary and serves the purpose of including the Gentiles; in the end, 'all Israel will be saved.'

🌿 The Remnant and the Olive Tree (11:1-24)

Rom 11:1-5

"I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means!... So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace."

Paul answers with his own existence: he is a Jew and was saved. The remnant (leimma) of Israel who believes in Christ is the continuation of the true Israel.

Rom 11:17-21

"But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches."

The olive tree metaphor: Israel is the cultivated olive tree; the Gentiles are wild olive branches grafted in. A warning to the Gentiles: do not be proud — you are sustained by the root (the promises to Israel).

🌟 The Mystery and the Doxology (11:25-36)

Rom 11:25-26

"Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And in this way all Israel will be saved."

The mysterion: Israel’s hardening is partial ('partial') and temporary ('until'). The final doxology (11:33-36) is the fitting response: 'Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!'

The Mystery of Israel — Hardening and Restoration

🌿 The Remnant and the Olive Tree (11:1-24)

🌟 The Mystery and the Doxology (11:25-36)