Paul concludes his theological discourse here by making a few final comments on the position of Israel, who no longer seems to be ‘centre stage’ as far as God’s salvation plan for mankind goes. Although many Jews came to faith in the Messiah early on, many more rejected Him, so that the Apostle Paul and his missionary team ended up concentrating more and more on reaching the Gentiles with the Good News.
It can all sound a bit strange to our 21st century ears, and difficult to understand what the issue is that Paul is addressing here, but reading it in a different translation, such as The Message (TM), helps to clarify things a bit more. Paul is answering some questions re: the Jews, arguing that God is not “so fed up with Israel” and her constant rebellion and disobedience that “he’ll have nothing more to do with them”. There is a remnant, a “fiercely loyal minority” (TM), like Paul himself, who did accept Christ as their Lord, Saviour and Messiah.
However, Israel got side-tracked for a while (lasting centuries!) and relied on their own obedience to the law and their religious background to be made right with God. But they won’t be excluded from God’s grace forever. One day they will be saved, when God’s purpose among the Gentiles has been fulfilled and “the full number of the Gentiles has come in” (v.25, NIV). God extended his grace to the people of Israel in the past and the Gentiles were excluded from a relationship with God. Now it’s the other way round; more Gentiles are accepted by grace into the Kingdom and the Jewish people are on the outside, so to speak. But one day, towards the end of time, they will be included again. “In one way or another, God makes sure that we all experience what it means to be outside so that He can personally open the door and welcome us back in.” (v. 32, TM).
This amazing grace of God causes Paul to burst out in praise at the end of the chapter – and so should we!!!
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Question:
When was the last time you contemplated the grace of God and the ‘depth of the riches and the wisdom and the knowledge of God’, praising Him for His kindness and goodness, His mercy and generosity, His faithfulness and love?
Thought/Prayer/Action:
Why not spend some time in worship doing just that?