Romans 11:14
in order somehow to make my fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul's hope is not just to make his Jewish kinsmen feel left out, but to ignite a yearning in them to seek what they've missed. The phrase "save some" reveals his humble expectation – not all would be swayed, but even a few individuals being brought to faith was a worthy, vital goal.
Paul explains that his dedicated ministry to the Gentiles isn't just about reaching them, but also about strategically provoking his own Jewish people to a spiritual jealousy. He hopes that seeing the Gentiles blessed will stir up his kinsmen to pursue Christ, ultimately leading to the salvation of some among them. This verse reveals his deep concern for his countrymen and his understanding of God's plan to use the inclusion of Gentiles to draw the Jews back.
Paul talks about provoking his own people to jealousy. How can something like jealousy, which feels so negative, be part of God's plan for salvation?
Paul’s mission to the Gentiles wasn't just about reaching new people; it was strategically designed to impact his own Jewish kinsmen.
The Strategy of Emulation
Paul uses the word 'emulation' (or 'jealousy') here, a concept often seen as negative. However, in this context, it refers to a 'holy jealousy.' He hoped that seeing the Gentiles—often considered outsiders—receive God's blessings through faith in Jesus would stir a longing and a desire within the Jewish people to also embrace the Messiah. It's about sparking a spiritual hunger.
God's Unexpected Tools
This shows how God can use seemingly unlikely means to bring about salvation. Paul's work among the Gentiles, and the resulting blessings, were intended to be a powerful sign and stimulus for Israel, a reminder of what they were missing and an invitation to return.
Paul doesn't expect everyone to be saved. What does this humility and realism about his ministry reveal about God's work?
Paul’s aim wasn't mass conversion of all Israel in his day, but the salvation of 'some.' This has profound implications for how we understand ministry and God's sovereignty.
Realistic Expectations
The phrase 'save some of them' reflects Paul's deep understanding of Romans 9 and 10, where he acknowledges a widespread rejection of Jesus by the Jewish nation, yet maintains hope for a remnant.
God's Initiative and Our Role
Paul's realistic language highlights that salvation is ultimately God's work. While he diligently ministers, he acknowledges his success is limited to 'some.' This isn't a sign of failure but a recognition of God's sovereign choice and the specific way His grace operates—often through a faithful remnant. It also underscores that ministers are instruments, not the ultimate source of salvation.
Paul's mission to the Gentiles, described in this verse, was strategically aimed at fulfilling Old Testament promises and, paradoxically, igniting a spiritual 'jealousy' or emulation within his own Jewish people, leading to the salvation of some.
c. 30s AD
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
Jesus, a Jew, begins his public ministry, proclaiming the Kingdom of God. His message is largely rejected by the Jewish religious establishment, leading to his crucifixion.
c. 30s-40s AD
Early Church Growth Among Jews
Following Jesus' resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit, the early apostles, including Peter and Paul, initially preach primarily to Jewish audiences in Jerusalem and surrounding areas.
c. 40s-60s AD— this verse
Paul's Ministry to the Gentiles
The Apostle Paul, previously a persecutor of Christians, becomes a key missionary to the Gentile (non-Jewish) world. His extensive travels and preaching lead to the establishment of many churches among non-Jews.
c. 60s AD
Writing of the Epistle to the Romans
Paul writes his letter to the church in Rome, a diverse community of Jewish and Gentile believers. He addresses theological issues, including the role of Jews and Gentiles in God's plan of salvation.
Paul directly declares to the Jews in Antioch that because they rejected the message of salvation, he and Barnabas would turn to the Gentiles, which echoes the theme of Jewish rejection leading to Gentile inclusion.
Deuteronomy 32:21This Old Testament passage prophesies God provoking Israel to jealousy through a 'no people' (Gentiles), a concept Paul explicitly draws upon in Romans 11:11 to explain the purpose of salvation coming to the Gentiles.
1 Corinthians 9:22Paul expresses a similar intense desire to 'win souls' for Christ, showing that his dedication to reaching both Jews and Gentiles stemmed from a deep commitment to saving as many as possible, a core motivation in Romans 11:14.
Romans 10:1Paul opens this chapter by stating his heart's desire and prayer to God for the salvation of the Israelites, directly preceding his explanation of their stumbling and the Gentiles' inclusion, highlighting his persistent concern for his own people.
vincentRomans 11:14: "If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them."
Some of themA modest expression which recalls Paul's limited success among his own countrymen.
cambridgeRomans 11:14: "If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them."
14 . provoke to emulation ] Same word as that rendered “provoke to jealousy,” Romans 11:11 . save some of them ] The phrase implies that he looked for conversions only one by one, through his own ministry. Probably he suggests the contrast of results hereafter, when the crisis predicted in Romans 11:25 should come. Or again, he may mean that to save even some, in any event, was worth…
Paul's hope is not just to make his Jewish kinsmen feel left out, but to ignite a yearning in them to seek what they've missed. The phrase "save some" reveals his humble expectation – not all would be swayed, but even a few individuals being brought to faith was a worthy, vital goal.
Paul explains that his dedicated ministry to the Gentiles isn't just about reaching them, but also about strategically provoking his own Jewish people to a spiritual jealousy. He hopes that seeing the Gentiles blessed will stir up his kinsmen to pursue Christ, ultimately leading to the salvation of some among them. This verse reveals his deep concern for his countrymen and his understanding of God's plan to use the inclusion of Gentiles to draw the Jews back.
Paul explains that his dedicated ministry to the Gentiles isn't just about reaching them, but also about strategically provoking his own Jewish people to a spiritual jealousy. He hopes that seeing the Gentiles blessed will stir up his kinsmen to pursue Christ, ultimately leading to the salvation of some among them. This verse reveals his deep concern for his countrymen and his understanding of God's plan to use the inclusion of Gentiles to draw the Jews back.
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AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Roman Empire crushes a major Jewish revolt, leading to the destruction of Jerusalem and its sacred Temple. This event marks a significant turning point for Judaism and the Jewish people.
"in order somehow to make my fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them." — Paul's hope is not just to make his Jewish kinsmen feel left out, but to ignite a yearning in them to seek what they've missed. The phrase "save some" reveals his humble expectation – not all wou…
