Jews and Gentiles Continued, Romans 11:25-36

A few thoughts to consider concerning today’s text, Romans 11:25-36:

1) Verses 23-24 set the context with Paul's insistence that faith on the part of the Jews is a condition for their being re-grafted back in. 

2) What is the mystery that Paul is speaking of?

      a) (25) partial hardening (What does "all Israel" mean?)

      b) (26) a promise of the fullness of Israel remains (cf. 11:2)

3) In verse 28 Paul is asking us to view the present situation through TWO lenses:

      a) Gospel: Jews are enemies

      b) Election: Jews are beloved. 

4) In verses 33-34, the consideration of God's providence leads to adoration of His wisdom.

5) The Doxology in v 36 provides the background for the Great Doxology of the Mass 'Through Him, with Him, and in Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit etc.

From Twitter: Dear Marcus and Dr. Howell, on a recent Journey Home episode, the guest mentioned 1 Tim 3:14-15 as a rebuttal to non-Catholic Christians, but reading on to 4:1-3, you see why they are Protestant. Where they see the error of imposing forbidden doctrine law, even to marry, making them subjects; for in Christ we freely serve. We know all those who believe of Jesus, going His way in Spirit, are His. Though they fall short in the flesh are justified. It is of the spirit that we sin, taking on spirits of error, that which defiles; our denying the Truth of Spirits of error.”

“I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you so that, if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth” (1 Tim 3:14,15).

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by giving heed to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, through the pretensions of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and enjoin abstinence from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth” (1 Tim 4:13-3).

Gal 5:13, “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love be servants of one another.”

[Jesus and Paul both said that some disciples might be called to abstain from marriage and food: Mt 19:11f; 6:16f; 1 Cor 7:32f; 8:13).