Romans 11:20-22

That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.

You too will be cut off? Who is Paul speaking to here?

Romans 9-11 is sometimes considered the hotbed of Calvinism, and I tend to think this is an accurate statement since the strength of their argument for determinism is found in a few verses within this passage. When we come to Romans 11:20-22 though, Paul is finishing up his teaching on the relationship of national, ethnic Israel with the New Creation, the Body of Christ.

Paul just finished with a typical theoretical gentiles comment reflecting an attitude of superiority, when in v 19, he writes

Romans 11:19 Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.”

The Gentile Christian in Rome may be considering the history of the nation of Israel, see their rejection of the Messiah (as a nation) and conclude that the nation of Israel was rejected, broken off, in order to bring the Gentiles in, implying the Gentiles were superior to the nation of Israel.

Will this pride thing ever stop? Earlier the Jews were warned of living in pride (Romans 2:17) and now the Gentiles are entering into proud attitudes and ideas.

Paul turns the actions of God in relation to ethnic Israel back onto the new believers, warning them of God’s severity. He acted in severity towards a nation He created, loved, was patient with, and constantly reached out to for centuries, yet they rejected His call out of pride and envy. Now they are cut off! To be an ethnic Jew is of no consequence with God. They are in the same boat as all the world and without Jesus, they have no hope!

Note that Paul speaks of God’s kindness extended to believers, provided believers continue in his kindness. We must continue in His kindness for His sake and ours.

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