NGH BIBLE STUDY – ROMANS – OUTLINE #24
The Participation of the Gentiles (Romans 11:11–24)
This middle section in Romans 11 provides critical insight into the distinction between the Church and National Israel – explaining the temporary setting aside of Israel as God’s testimony on earth and the bringing of Gentiles into the stream of Divine blessing during this church age. The church does not replace Israel (the final section of the chapter will make that clear) but Jew and Gentile are now given equal standing, with no distinction, in this new entity – the Church, the body of Christ. Paul uses the allegory of the olive tree – not as a symbol of Israel nor a symbol of the Church, but as a symbol of Divine Blessing and Divine Purpose – Israel were the original, natural branches (Rom 11:17, 21) – but now Gentiles (wild olive branches – Rom 11:17) have been grafted in and enjoy the full benefits of Divine purpose and blessing. Paul warns about arrogance on the part of Gentile believers, and ends the section by assuring that the natural branches will be “re-grafted” in again. This theme will be the main subject of next week’s study in the final section of the chapter.
Outline
Rom 11:11-15 – Israel’s Temporary Fall Opens the Door to Blessing for Gentiles
- Israel’s fall is not final (Rom 11:11-12) – Paul, for the second time in the chapter, uses a powerful rebuttal to refute the idea that God is finished with Israel.
- Paul alludes to a future day of “fulness” for Israel (Rom 11:12) and speaks of “their acceptance” (Rom 11:15) – both clear indications that God has a future plan for Israel and will literally fulfil his covenant promises to them. These references point to a future day of Millennial glory when Christ shall reign as the promised “son of David” and Israel will be the conduit through which his administration will rule over the entire globe.
Rom 11:16-21 – The Allegory of the Olive Tree
- Divine purpose and blessing – promised to Israel through unconditional covenant – “the root” probably refers back to the original Abrahamic covenant – the “natural branches” refer to those ethnically linked to Abraham, but who through unbelief (Rom 11:20) were broken off.
- The “wild olive tree” refers to Gentile believers in the present age – who have been brought into the direct stream of divine purpose and blessing.
- A serious warning against arrogance and any sense of entitlement on the part of Gentiles (Rom 11:18-21).
11:22-24 – The Goodness and Severity of God
- God’s goodness is highlighted towards those who have been grafted in
(“toward you” Rom 11:22) – but also his severity on those who, through unbelief, were cut off - Important to note that “belief” or “faith” is what counts with God – not entitlement or arrogance.
Key Points/Questions for Discussion
1. Paul makes a distinction between “stumble” and “fall” in Rom 11:11? How are we to understand that distinction?
2. Why is it important to see that the “Olive Tree” in the allegory represents the stream of Divine purpose and blessing – and not “the Church”?
3. From a practical standpoint – how can we apply the principle of “spiritual jealousy” Paul speaks about relative to Israel’s National attitude towards Gentiles being blessed? Is there anything in my life that would cause observers to be “jealous” for the peace and joy I have found in Christ?
4. Anti-semitism has been a terrible plague through many eras in Church history – how does a good grasp of dispensational theology help us understand God’s purposes for Israel in the past, present and future – and how should it shape our attitude towards individual Jewish people and towards Israel’s national identity?