Romans 11:28 is a crucial verse in Paul's discussion of God's plan for Israel, particularly in relation to the gospel and divine election. The verse reads:
"As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake, but as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers." (Romans 11:28, ESV)
This verse encapsulates the tension between Israel's present rejection of Christ and God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant promises. Below is a detailed exegesis of the key elements of this passage.
1. Context of Romans 11
Romans 9–11 deals with the question of Israel’s status in light of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul wrestles with why so many Israelites have rejected Christ and how that fits into God’s sovereign plan.
- In Romans 9, Paul discusses God’s sovereign election and how not all physical descendants of Israel are part of the true people of God.
- In Romans 10, he emphasizes that Israel has sought righteousness through the law rather than by faith in Christ.
- In Romans 11, Paul clarifies that Israel’s rejection is neither total nor final. A remnant remains (11:5), and in the future, Israel as a whole will experience salvation (11:26).
Romans 11:28, therefore, occurs within Paul’s argument that although Israel has rejected Christ now, God’s promises to them remain intact.
2. "As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake"
- "As regards the gospel" – This phrase refers to Israel’s relationship to the message of salvation through Christ. Many Jews rejected Jesus as the Messiah, leading to their current estrangement from the gospel.
- "They are enemies" – This does not mean personal hostility, but rather that in God's redemptive plan, Israel is in opposition to the gospel. Their rejection of Christ places them, in a theological sense, in an adversarial position to the good news.
- "For your sake" – Paul points out that Israel’s rejection has resulted in the gospel being offered to the Gentiles (cf. Romans 11:11-12). Their stumbling has become a means for the inclusion of the nations into God’s salvation plan.
This reflects a key theme in Paul’s theology: God uses Israel’s temporary unbelief to bring salvation to the world. However, this is not the final state of Israel, as the next part of the verse makes clear.
3. "But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers"
- "As regards election" – Here, Paul shifts from discussing Israel’s rejection of the gospel to their status in God's overarching plan. Despite their current unbelief, Israel remains chosen by God.
- "They are beloved" – Despite their current estrangement, God still loves Israel. This love is not based on their present obedience but on His past covenantal promises.
- "For the sake of their forefathers" – This refers to the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—who received God's promises (cf. Genesis 12:1-3, 15:4-6, 26:2-5). God’s covenant with them remains in effect, meaning Israel's rejection is not final.
Paul emphasizes that God's faithfulness does not depend on Israel's actions but on His own character and covenant. This reinforces his statement in Romans 11:29, "For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable."
4. Theological Implications
This verse holds significant theological weight in discussions of Israel's role in redemptive history.
- God’s faithfulness to His promises – Israel's unbelief does not nullify God's covenant with their ancestors. His promises remain valid and will ultimately lead to their restoration (Romans 11:26).
- The dual status of Israel – At present, Israel is both an "enemy" of the gospel and still "beloved" because of divine election. This paradox reflects the complexity of God’s redemptive plan.
- Gentile inclusion does not replace Israel – While the Gentiles benefit from Israel’s rejection (Romans 11:11), this does not mean Israel is permanently cast aside. Instead, their future restoration is assured.
- Hope for Israel’s salvation – Paul ultimately affirms that Israel's rejection is temporary and will one day be reversed (Romans 11:25-26).
Conclusion
Romans 11:28 presents a profound tension: Israel is currently in opposition to the gospel, yet they remain the elect people of God due to His promises to the patriarchs. This verse serves as a bridge between Israel’s present unbelief and their future restoration. Paul reassures his readers that God’s faithfulness to His covenant remains unshaken, ensuring that Israel’s story is not one of permanent rejection but of eventual redemption.
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