Romans 11:5
So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Romans 11:5
So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse doesn't just state that a remnant exists, but emphasizes that this remnant is chosen by grace. This crucial phrase corrects any idea that their inclusion is based on any merit or worthiness within the remnant itself, but solely on God's unmerited favor.
Paul is addressing whether God has completely rejected his people, the Jews, due to their widespread rejection of Jesus. He has just used the example of Elijah, who thought he was the only faithful one left, to show that God always preserves a faithful few. This verse directly applies that historical pattern to the present time, highlighting that even amidst the nation's unbelief, a chosen remnant exists.
Why does God choose some and not others? This verse cuts through any idea that our own goodness earns God's favor.
Paul is making a crucial distinction here: God's choosing isn't based on human merit or works, but on His own sovereign grace.
When things look overwhelmingly dark and God's people seem gone, history shows God always reserves a faithful few.
Paul draws a powerful parallel between the present situation and a dramatic moment in the Old Testament involving the prophet Elijah.
Understand the original words
leimma · Greek Noun
A small remaining portion or surviving group of people. In theology, it refers to the faithful few within a larger population who remain loyal to God amidst widespread apostasy or judgment.
chariti · Greek Noun
The unmerited, undeserved favor and kindness of God toward humanity, particularly in the context of salvation, where God acts to rescue and redeem those who cannot save themselves.
The verse highlights that even during times of widespread rejection of God's promises, like the disbelief of many Jews in Jesus' time, God always preserves a faithful 'remnant' chosen by His unmerited favor, echoing historical precedents like Elijah's experience.
c. 875 BC
Elijah's Ministry and the Crisis of Idolatry
During King Ahab's reign, the prophet Elijah confronted widespread Baal worship in Israel, feeling like he was the only one left who remained faithful to God.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, is crucified and resurrected, marking a pivotal moment for Israel and the world.
c. AD 33-35
Early Jerusalem Church Growth
Following Pentecost, thousands of Jews in Jerusalem begin to believe in Jesus as the Messiah, forming a significant early Christian community.
c. AD 40s-50s
Paul's Missionary Journeys
The Apostle Paul travels extensively, preaching the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles and establishing churches throughout the Roman Empire.
This passage directly parallels Romans 11:5 by highlighting God's reserved remnant of 7,000 faithful Israelites during a time of widespread idolatry, establishing the precedent for a chosen few even within a largely apostate nation.
Isaiah 10:21-22This prophecy speaks of a remnant of Jacob returning to the mighty God, echoing the theme of a select few being preserved and called back to God even after widespread judgment and departure from Him.
Matthew 20:16Jesus' parable about the laborers in the vineyard illustrates God's sovereign grace, where the last are treated as first and the first are not necessarily favored by works, underscoring the principle that salvation is by God's choice, not human merit.
Luke 18:7Jesus' parable of the persistent widow reinforces the idea that God will hear the cries of His elect, suggesting that even when things seem hopeless, God has a chosen people for whom He will act decisively.
Romans 9:27This verse, also by Paul, quotes Isaiah and speaks of a remnant of Israel being saved, directly supporting the argument in Romans 11 that God's purposes are not thwarted by national rejection, as a remnant is preserved by His election.
ellicottRomans 11:5: "Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace."
(5, 6) As there was a remnant then, so also is there a remnant now. That there should be so is due not to any human merit on the part of those exempted from the fate of their nation, but to the spontaneous act of the divine grace selecting them from the rest. These two things,” grace” and “works,” really exclude each other. The Apostle reverts somewhat parenthetically, and because his mi…
cambridgeRomans 11:5: "Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace."
5 . at this present time ] In which the mournful phenomenon of Jewish unbelief occasioned this whole discussion. there is ] Lit. there hath been : it was and still is. a remnant ] a reserve, a leaving . The noun is cognate to the verb “I reserved” in Romans 11:4 . This “remnant” at some stages of apostolic history ( Acts 6:7 ; Acts 21:20 ,) was in itself very numerous. But it was always,…
The verse doesn't just state that a remnant exists, but emphasizes that this remnant is chosen by grace. This crucial phrase corrects any idea that their inclusion is based on any merit or worthiness within the remnant itself, but solely on God's unmerited favor.
Paul is addressing whether God has completely rejected his people, the Jews, due to their widespread rejection of Jesus. He has just used the example of Elijah, who thought he was the only faithful one left, to show that God always preserves a faithful few. This verse directly applies that historical pattern to the present time, highlighting that even amidst the nation's unbelief, a chosen remnant exists.
Paul is addressing whether God has completely rejected his people, the Jews, due to their widespread rejection of Jesus. He has just used the example of Elijah, who thought he was the only faithful one left, to show that God always preserves a faithful few. This verse directly applies that historical pattern to the present time, highlighting that even amidst the nation's unbelief, a chosen remnant exists.
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c. AD 57— this verse
Paul writes Romans
From Corinth, Paul pens his letter to the church in Rome, addressing theological issues concerning Jews and Gentiles and God's faithfulness to Israel.
AD 64
Great Fire of Rome and Persecution
Emperor Nero blames Christians for the fire, initiating the first major persecution of Christians in Rome, impacting the church's awareness of suffering.
AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Roman army destroys Jerusalem and its Temple in response to a Jewish revolt, a catastrophic event for the Jewish people and their religious system.
"So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace." — The verse doesn't just state that a remnant exists, but emphasizes that this remnant is chosen by grace. This crucial phrase corrects any idea that their inclusion is based on any merit or worthine…