Romans 11:28-29
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)
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Even though many Jews rejected the Gospel and became estranged from God, their status as "beloved" is still rooted in God's eternal covenant with their ancestors. This highlights that God's chosen people are loved not solely for their present actions, but because of a foundational, enduring promise made long ago.
Paul is explaining the complex relationship between God's chosen people, Israel, and the Gentiles who have now come to faith. He acknowledges that many Jews have rejected the gospel message, becoming "enemies" to it for the sake of the Gentiles' inclusion. However, he emphasizes that this rejection doesn't negate God's enduring love for Israel based on His ancient covenant with their forefathers.
How can God's chosen people be both 'enemies' and 'beloved' at the same time? This verse reveals a tension that speaks volumes about God's faithfulness.
Paul presents a stunning paradox regarding Israel's relationship with God, particularly concerning the Gospel.
Enemies for the Gentiles' Sake
Beloved for the Fathers' Sake
What does it mean that God's 'election' and 'calling' are 'without repentance'? This concept reveals the unshakeable certainty of God's eternal purposes.
Paul stresses that God’s choices, particularly His election of Israel, are final and unchangeable. This isn't about human merit, but divine commitment.
The Nature of God's Election
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.
This verse highlights a profound paradox: while many Jewish people rejected the gospel message about Jesus, making them appear 'enemies' in that specific context, God's ancient, unwavering love and choice ('election') for them, rooted in His covenant with their forefathers like Abraham, remains intact, pointing toward a future restoration.
c. 2000 BC
God's Covenant with Abraham
God establishes a special covenant with Abraham, promising to make him a great nation and to bless the world through his descendants. This lays the foundation for Israel's identity as God's chosen people.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God rescues the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, a pivotal event demonstrating His faithfulness to the covenant made with Abraham and His continued election of Israel as His people.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem and destroy the Temple, exiling many Israelites. This event marks a period where the nation's relationship with God appears broken, yet prophecies hint at a future restoration.
c. 30 AD
Ministry, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus, the Messiah, begins His public ministry, teaching and performing miracles. His crucifixion and resurrection are central to the gospel message.
This passage directly echoes the promise to Abraham that God would be the God of his descendants, highlighting the enduring covenant that underpins the 'election' mentioned in Romans 11:28.
Deuteronomy 10:15Here, God states that He 'set His affection on your fathers and loved them, and He chose you, their descendants, after them,' directly linking God's love for Israel to the patriarchal lineage, just as Paul does.
Romans 9:4-5This earlier passage in Romans details the unique privileges of Israel, including their election and the lineage of the Messiah, providing the foundational context for understanding God's enduring love for them despite their current rejection of the gospel.
Malachi 4:5-6This prophetic promise that Elijah would return to turn 'the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to their fathers' foreshadows a future reconciliation, aligning with the idea that God's love for the 'fathers' holds relevance for their descendants' eventual return.
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…
Even though many Jews rejected the Gospel and became estranged from God, their status as "beloved" is still rooted in God's eternal covenant with their ancestors. This highlights that God's chosen people are loved not solely for their present actions, but because of a foundational, enduring promise made long ago.
Paul is explaining the complex relationship between God's chosen people, Israel, and the Gentiles who have now come to faith. He acknowledges that many Jews have rejected the gospel message, becoming "enemies" to it for the sake of the Gentiles' inclusion. However, he emphasizes that this rejection doesn't negate God's enduring love for Israel based on His ancient covenant with their forefathers.
Paul is explaining the complex relationship between God's chosen people, Israel, and the Gentiles who have now come to faith. He acknowledges that many Jews have rejected the gospel message, becoming "enemies" to it for the sake of the Gentiles' inclusion. However, he emphasizes that this rejection doesn't negate God's enduring love for Israel based on His ancient covenant with their forefathers.
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Gifts and Calling Are Without Repentance
c. 30-33 AD
Rejection of Jesus by Many Jews
Despite Jesus' claims and signs, a significant portion of Jewish leadership and populace reject Him as the Messiah, leading to His crucifixion.
c. 40-62 AD— this verse
Early Spread of the Gospel to Gentiles
The apostles, particularly Paul, begin to preach the gospel message of salvation through Jesus Christ to non-Jewish people (Gentiles). This marks a significant shift in God's plan unfolding.
c. 64-67 AD
Paul's Letter to the Romans Written
The Apostle Paul writes his letter to the Roman church, addressing complex theological issues concerning God's faithfulness to Israel and the inclusion of Gentiles in His salvation plan.
"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." — Even though many Jews rejected the Gospel and became estranged from God, their status as "beloved" is still rooted in God's eternal covenant with their ancestors. This highlights that God's chosen pe…
