- Gentiles (wild olive) grafted: (11:17) Paul uses one more analogy of root, tree and grafting. The Patriarchs are the root and Israelites are the branches. The Gentiles who have believed Christ are grafted to the root. The disobedient Jews are the broken branches. The Gentile believers have been grafted into the tree. The Patriarchs are holy, their descendants are also should be holy. But some unfaithful, disobedient have broken off from the branches, but God will not give them up. While explaining the horticultural advice, in place of the broken branches, a wild olive shoot has been grafted. The wild shoot would also enjoy the rich nourishment from the root and participates in the richness of the olive tree. Here neither Jews are superior nor the Gentiles.
- Gentiles should not boast: (11:18-20): It is quite possible that Gentiles could go into the temptation of boasting and look down the Israelites. Paul says: “remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.” Your salvation depends on a promise given to the ancestor of the Jews, Abraham, and to the Messiah of the Jews, Jesus. didn’t earn the right to be grafted in but it was only a matter of God’s grace. So the Gentiles need not boast over the broken branches.
Further Paul says: You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you either” (11:19-21). The olive tree is the symbol of the nation of Israel (Jer.11:16-17). Paul was discussing the place of Israel in the plan of God, but not the individual believers. Patriarchs founded the nation, God made covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The Lord cannot deny Himself or forget what He has promised. It is against His nature. It is the God’s promise to Abraham that sustains Israel even today. The present Israel is going from strength to strength because of their belief in Christ.
- Gentiles to learn lesson: (11:21): God is a God of justice, righteous and holiness. He cannot tolerate sin but cannot stop any sinner however big he is to come to Him for pardoning because He is loving God. Israel were His promised people. God could not tolerate sin in the people whom He foreknew, whom He had so long loved, cherished, miraculously preserved and blessed. The same righteous God could act towards the Gentiles if they sinned. Presently the Gentiles are grafted, if they sinned, they too will be cut off, because God is a righteous God. The apostle Paul puts in beautiful way: “For If God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you either” (11:21). It is possible that someone might reject the faith. If salvation were completely decided in advance, then people would have no need to fear. Gentiles were obligated to Israel and they need not boast of their new spiritual position. It is none of their merit that they entered into the fellowship but by their faith in Christ and God’s grace. Here Paul is speaking of the collective Gentiles but not individual Gentile.
“It is a matter for profound regret that just as Israel refused to accept this salvation when it was offered to them, so the Gentiles have all too often refused to make Israel envious. Instead of showing to God’s ancient people the attractiveness of the Christian way, Christians have characteristically treated the Jews with hatred, prejudice, persecution, malice, and all un-charitableness. Christians should not take this passage calmly.” (Morris)
God’s goodness and God’s severity: (11:22-24):
Apostle Paul gives brings out God’s character or nature in between his ministry among both Gentiles and Jews. He gives 6-conclusions. They are:
- Gentiles must understand God’s severity or God’s justice. God cut off the unbelieving Jews and they are broken away from the Patriarchs who enjoyed God’s blessings.
- Gentiles have received unmerited favour from God. We were by nature objects of wrath (Eph.2:3), but God in His mercy bestowed His goodness to us, extended the blessing given to Abraham along with promised Israel.
- Gentiles must continue in the faith to receive God’s continued goodness kindness and His blessings. Continue in goodness means that we remain faithful to His Word. It is not that we remain in a state of integrity but to remain faithful to Him, coming to Him as often as we can for the forgiveness of sins and sanctification.
- If Gentiles cease to remain in faith, they too will be cut off. God’s goodness is no evidence that He will not punish the guilty. He is a righteous God. We generally think that God in His goodness will spare the guilty. In the last days, the professing church may depart from the faith. If that is so, they will be cut off from Christ. There is no place for apostate Gentile church.