Romans 11:28-29
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Though they rejected the gospel and stand estranged from it now, their fundamental identity as God's chosen people, rooted in His unbreakable promises to their ancestors, remains secure. This paradox highlights that God's eternal love and purposes for Israel aren't revoked by their present unbelief but are being worked out for the ultimate good of both Jew and Gentile.
As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is explaining the complex relationship between God's chosen people, Israel, and the Gentile believers. He acknowledges that many Jews have rejected the gospel message, becoming God's "enemies" in that regard, but clarifies this rejection has paradoxically opened the door for Gentiles to receive salvation. Yet, Paul emphasizes that this present estrangement doesn't nullify God's eternal love for Israel as a nation, chosen because of their patriarchs like Abraham.
The Jewish people, in their rejection of Jesus, are called 'enemies.' But does that mean God's love for them is gone forever? This verse reveals a profound tension in God's dealings.
Paul lays out a stunning paradox about Israel's relationship with God, especially in light of the gospel.
Enemies of the Gospel
As regards the gospel message of Jesus Christ, many in Israel acted as 'enemies.' This wasn't just a passive disagreement; it was an active opposition that led to their estrangement from God's immediate favor through Christ. Their rejection of the Messiah meant they were, for a time, set aside.
Beloved for the Fathers' Sake
But Paul immediately pivots. This enmity does not negate God's foundational, covenant love for the Jewish people. He calls them 'beloved for the sake of their forefathers'—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God's promises and His choice of Israel were not based on their current actions but on His ancient, unchangeable covenant. This means that even in their disbelief, they remained objects of God's deep affection and purpose, stemming from His eternal promises.
Why would God allow His chosen people to become 'enemies' of the very gospel meant for all? This verse suggests their temporary stumbling served a divine purpose.
Paul isn't just describing Israel's state; he's explaining God's sovereign hand in it, particularly how it benefits the Gentiles.
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Making Way for the Gentiles
Their 'enmity' regarding the gospel wasn't a random event or a final verdict. It was permitted, even orchestrated by God, 'for your sake'—the sake of the Gentiles. Israel's rejection of Christ opened the door for the Gentiles to receive the gospel and be brought into God's family. Their temporary stumbling paradoxically led to the Gentiles' salvation.
Unwavering Election
This doesn't mean God abandoned His plan for Israel. The 'election'—His choosing of them as His people—remains intact. Their being 'beloved for the fathers' sakes' points to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. He has not cast away His people permanently, and His ultimate purpose will unfold, bringing both Jew and Gentile into the full scope of His redemptive plan.
Understand the original words
euangelion · Greek Noun
The good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. It is the message of God’s redemptive work, his kingdom, and the historical reality of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.
eklogē · Greek Noun
The sovereign act of God by which He chooses individuals or groups for Himself, based on His own purpose and grace rather than human merit or works.
Paul's words in Romans 11:28 remind us that God's faithfulness to His ancient promises to Israel remains even as His gospel opens the way for Gentiles. Their present rejection of Christ doesn't negate His enduring love and future plans for them, rooted in the patriarchs.
c. 2000 BC
God's Covenant with Abraham
God establishes an enduring covenant with Abraham, promising to make him a great nation and bless all peoples through his descendants. This covenant forms the basis for God's special election of Israel.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus and Law at Sinai
God delivers Israel from slavery in Egypt through Moses and gives them His Law at Mount Sinai, further solidifying their unique relationship with Him as His chosen people.
722 BC
Assyrian Exile of Northern Kingdom
The powerful Assyrian Empire conquers the northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting many of its inhabitants. This event marks a significant judgment and scattering of God's people.
586 BC
Babylonian Exile of Southern Kingdom
The Neo-Babylonian Empire destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling much of the population of the southern Kingdom of Judah. This is a period of deep national crisis and spiritual reflection.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry, Crucifixion, and Resurrection
Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, begins his ministry, is rejected and crucified by many Jewish leaders, but is resurrected, demonstrating God's plan of salvation for all who believe.
c. AD 57-59— this verse
Paul Writes Romans
The Apostle Paul, while in Corinth or Ephesus, writes his letter to the Roman believers, addressing the complex relationship between Jews and Gentiles within God's unfolding plan of salvation and His ongoing purposes for Israel.
This passage directly relates to the promise God made to Abraham, which is the foundation of the 'election' and 'fathers' mentioned in Romans 11:28, showing the enduring nature of God's covenant.
Deuteronomy 7:7-8This verse highlights God's choice of Israel not because of their merit, but out of His love for their ancestors, echoing the 'beloved for the sake of their forefathers' theme in Romans 11:28.
Romans 9:4-5This passage lists the unique privileges of Israel, including their election and heritage from the patriarchs, providing context for the 'election' and 'fathers' Paul refers to in Romans 11:28.
Luke 1:54-55Mary's song of praise references God's help for Israel 'in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his offspring forever,' reinforcing the idea of God's enduring love for His people based on ancestral promises.
Romans 11:15This verse explains that the Jews' rejection of the gospel led to the Gentiles' reconciliation, paralleling the idea in Romans 11:28 that their 'enmity' served the Gentiles' benefit.
ellicottRomans 11:28: "As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes."
(28) The real position of the Jews is this: They have been suffered to fall into a state of estrangement in order to make room for the Gentiles. But this does not abrogate God’s original choice of them. They are still His beloved people, for the sake of their forefathers, the patriarchs, if not for their own.
gillRomans 11:28: "As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes."
As concerning the Gospel,.... Whereas it might be objected to the call and conversion of the Jews, their implacable enmity to the Gospel, the apostle replies, by granting, that with respect to that, they were enemies to God and Christ, to the Gospel, and the ministers of it, and particularly to the apostle: for your sakes; the Gentiles, to whom it was…
Though they rejected the gospel and stand estranged from it now, their fundamental identity as God's chosen people, rooted in His unbreakable promises to their ancestors, remains secure. This paradox highlights that God's eternal love and purposes for Israel aren't revoked by their present unbelief but are being worked out for the ultimate good of both Jew and Gentile.
Paul is explaining the complex relationship between God's chosen people, Israel, and the Gentile believers. He acknowledges that many Jews have rejected the gospel message, becoming God's "enemies" in that regard, but clarifies this rejection has paradoxically opened the door for Gentiles to receive salvation. Yet, Paul emphasizes that this present estrangement doesn't nullify God's eternal love for Israel as a nation, chosen because of their patriarchs like Abraham.
Paul is explaining the complex relationship between God's chosen people, Israel, and the Gentile believers. He acknowledges that many Jews have rejected the gospel message, becoming God's "enemies" in that regard, but clarifies this rejection has paradoxically opened the door for Gentiles to receive salvation. Yet, Paul emphasizes that this present estrangement doesn't nullify God's eternal love for Israel as a nation, chosen because of their patriarchs like Abraham.
"As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable." — Though they rejected the gospel and stand estranged from it now, their fundamental identity as God's chosen people, rooted in His unbreakable promises to their ancestors, remains secure. This paradox…
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Last reviewed October 2026
