Romans 11:11-12: The Purpose of Israel's Rejection

Romans 11:11-12.. "So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!"

Before typing out this devotional, I would like to note some things. Firstly, I do not fuly understand all that Paul is saying here. The book of Romans is filled with intense doctrine, much of which is disagreed upon by even the smartest of theologians. Therefore, I desire to come before this text humbly, noting that I do not have it all figured out. Secondly, although Romans 11 may seem like a less practical and even boring section of scripture, we must never think these thoughts. Romans 11 is still the word of God, and it gives us eternal truths that surpass any truths given to us by man. We must not think that any section of scirpture is not "God-breathed and useful" (2 Timothy 3:16).

These two great verses in Romans 11 are truly the place in which the rest of the chapter hinges upon, so we will look at them closely today. Let's take them a piece at a time.

"So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means!" In light of the context of Romans 11:7-10, we understand that Paul is here speaking of Israel's rejection of Christ. "The elect obtained it [that is, salvation], but the rest were hardened" (v. 7b). But for what purpose? Why has God allowed Israel to reject him? This is what Paul is going to explain in the rest of Romans 11.

First, Paul gives what might be someone's first thought about Israel's rejection: "Did they stumble in order that they might fall?" In light of Paul's sharp rebuke to this rhetorical quesiton ("By no means!"), I believe that Paul is here arguing that Israel's rejection had a purpose beyond their initial stumbling. In other words, Israel (that is, the entirety of the nation) did not "fall out of salvation" but are currently "stumbling in salvation" because, for a temporary time, many of them have rejected Christ (yet, not all of them, which we see in verses 1-6). This seems to be the best interpretation of the verse in light of its context, but once again, this is intense doctrine that is hard to wrap our minds around (at least it is for me).

"Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles..." Paul here gives the reason for Israel's rejection, after condemning the thinking of his previous suggestion. The purpsose of Israel's rejection is thus: that salvation might come to the Gentiles. This is truly a crucial point, and even Paul's main point here. However, let us note some things here. Firstly, it was always God's plan to bring the opportunity of salvation to the Gentiles. Israel's rejection did not take God by surprise. Rather, God ordained it, and used that evil for his good (Gen. 50:20). Secondly, the reason for why this had to happen is beyond my biblical knowledge. The question in my mind is this: why did the Jews have to reject Christ in order for salvation to be brought to the Gentiles? Perhaps the following verses will answer our question (I haven't thoroughly read ahead yet...). Nevertheless, God's word is true, and though we may not fully understand it, it does not matter what we think. The purpose of the Jew's rejection was that the Gentiles may obtain salvation, this is clear.

"...so as to make Israel jealous." Let us note here that the "jealousy" spoken of here may not be the best word to describe what is trying to be conveyed. Remember, Jesus, Paul, and all of the other people in the New Testament didn't speak English. The New Testament was originally written in Koine Greek, and as my Greek prof often puts it: "Translation is treason." We cannot capture every single aspect of the Bible's beauty when we bring it into another language (hence why I'm required to study Greek and Hebrew).

Nevertheless, the Gentile's salvation does disturb the Jews, and thus make them jealous. The Jews were the original inheritors of salvation (Rom. 1:16), and in their own selfish hearts, wish to keep it for themselves. Thus, the Gentiles having the opportunity of salvation does not sit with them well. However, Paul goes on to explain in later verses that there is a great purpose for this, ultimately in the fact that this jealousy will lead to Israel's full salvation.

"Now if their [the Jew's] trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means rishes for the Gentiles..." These two phrases simply refer to what has already been spoken of: the fact that the Gentiles can now inherit the "riches" of salvation.

"...how much more will their full inclusion mean!" This phrase points to the future, promised redemption of the nation Israel (see Rev. 7:4).1 Paul's point here seems to be that if Israel's rejection of Christ has brought salvation to the Gentiles, how much more glorious will their acceptance of Christ be! For the kingdom of God will someday consist of people "from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages" (Rev. 7:9), including both a multitude of Jews and Gentiles, praise the Lord!

Once again, this text might not seem extremely applicable to us, but it is still scirpture, and it is therefore still important. Nonetheless, God's sovereignty shines so brightly through this text, as he is truly able to turn one of the greatest evils (his own people's rejection of him) to one of the greatest goods (the opportunity of salvation to the Gentiles). Amen.

1. Personally, I don't believe that this will be a full redemption of Israel, for this would be contrary to the pattern of scripture both in the entirety of the Old Testament and Romans 11:1-10. Israel's redemption will be more complete than it is currently, but I believe that there will still be Jews that reject Christ (this seems to be consistent with Revelation 7, in my interpretation, as well). Once again, there are many different opinions on this; I'm simply stating my interpretation of scripture. But remember: It doesn't matter what I think, it matters what scripture says.