Romans 11:11
I ask then, did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Certainly not! However, because of their trespass, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel jealous.
I ask then
This phrase introduces a rhetorical question, a common technique used by Paul to engage his audience. The Greek word for "ask" here is "λέγω" (legō), which implies a thoughtful inquiry rather than a mere question. Paul is addressing a potential misunderstanding among his readers, showing his pastoral concern and desire for clarity.

did they stumble
The word "stumble" comes from the Greek "πταίω" (ptaiō), which means to trip or to err. This suggests a temporary misstep rather than a complete fall. Historically, this refers to Israel's rejection of Christ, which was not intended to be a permanent state but a part of God's redemptive plan.

so as to fall beyond recovery?
The phrase "fall beyond recovery" uses the Greek "πίπτω" (piptō), meaning to fall, and "ἵνα" (hina), indicating purpose or result. Paul is emphasizing that Israel's stumble is not final or irredeemable. This reflects the hope and assurance found throughout Scripture that God's plans are restorative.

Certainly not!
This emphatic negation in Greek, "μὴ γένοιτο" (mē genoito), is one of Paul's strongest ways to reject an idea. It underscores the impossibility of Israel's complete rejection by God. This aligns with the biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant people.

However, because of their trespass
The word "trespass" is translated from "παράπτωμα" (paraptōma), meaning a false step or transgression. This indicates that Israel's rejection of the Messiah was a serious error, yet it was used by God to further His purposes. This reflects the biblical principle that God can bring good out of human failure.

salvation has come to the Gentiles
The term "salvation" (σωτηρία, sōtēria) signifies deliverance and preservation, a central theme in Christian theology. The inclusion of the Gentiles was a radical shift in the early church, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the nations being blessed through Israel (Genesis 12:3).

to make Israel jealous
The Greek word for "jealous" is "παραζηλόω" (parazēloō), which can mean to provoke to emulation. This is not a negative jealousy but a divine strategy to awaken Israel to the blessings they are missing. Historically, this reflects God's ongoing plan to use the church to draw Israel back to Himself, highlighting His mercy and desire for all to come to repentance.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Israel
The nation chosen by God, through whom He revealed His law and promises. In this context, Israel refers to the Jewish people who have stumbled in their recognition of Jesus as the Messiah.

2. Gentiles
Non-Jewish people who have received salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Their inclusion in God's plan is a significant theme in the New Testament.

3. Paul
The apostle and author of the Book of Romans, addressing the dynamics between Jewish and Gentile believers in the early church.

4. Salvation
The deliverance from sin and its consequences, brought about by faith in Jesus Christ. Here, it is extended to the Gentiles as part of God's redemptive plan.

5. Jealousy
A tool used by God to provoke Israel to reconsider their stance on Jesus as the Messiah, seeing the blessings bestowed upon the Gentiles.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereign Plan
God's plan for salvation is inclusive and purposeful. The stumbling of Israel is not final but serves a greater purpose in His redemptive history.

Role of Jealousy
God uses the blessings given to the Gentiles to provoke Israel to reconsider their relationship with Him. This teaches us that God can use unexpected means to draw people to Himself.

Unity in Diversity
The inclusion of the Gentiles highlights the unity of believers in Christ, regardless of ethnic or cultural backgrounds. This calls for the church to embrace diversity within the body of Christ.

Hope for Restoration
Israel's stumbling is not beyond recovery. This offers hope for restoration and encourages prayer and evangelism towards those who have not yet accepted the Gospel.

Witness through Blessing
The blessings and transformation in the lives of believers can serve as a powerful witness to others, provoking them to seek the source of such change.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of Israel's stumbling relate to God's overall plan for salvation history?

2. In what ways can the church today provoke others to jealousy in a positive, God-honoring way?

3. How does the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's plan challenge or affirm your understanding of God's love and justice?

4. What practical steps can you take to promote unity within the diverse body of Christ in your local church?

5. Reflect on a time when God used an unexpected situation to draw you or someone you know closer to Him. How can this encourage you in your faith journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 13:46
Paul and Barnabas speak to the Jews and then turn to the Gentiles, illustrating the shift in focus of the Gospel message.

Deuteronomy 32:21
God uses a "foolish nation" to provoke Israel to jealousy, a concept echoed in Romans 11:11.

Ephesians 2:11-13
Discusses the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant community, breaking down the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles.

Isaiah 49:6
Prophecy about the Messiah being a light to the Gentiles, showing the broader scope of God's salvation plan.
How Much More!T.F. Lockyer Romans 11:11-16
Church Offices and Magnifying ThemJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 11:11-22
Concern for KindredJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 11:11-22
Necessaries of the Ministerial OfficeR. M'All, D.D.Romans 11:11-22
Paul Magnifying His OfficeJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 11:11-22
Provoking to EmulationS. Martin.Romans 11:11-22
The Benefit Resulting from the Conversion of the JewsElnathan Parr, B.D.Romans 11:11-22
The Calling of the Jews the Enriching of the WorldElnathan Parr, B.D.Romans 11:11-22
The Conversion of the JewsN. Emmons, D.D.Romans 11:11-22
The Dignity of the Christian MinistryD. Kennedy, D.D.Romans 11:11-22
The Fall of IsraelJ. Lyth, D.DRomans 11:11-22
The Holiness of the Firstfruit and the LumpElnathan Parr, B.D.Romans 11:11-22
The Ministerial Office not an Easy OneRomans 11:11-22
The Rejection of IsraelJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 11:11-22
Israel's FutureR.M. Edgar Romans 11:11-32
The Jewish People: Their Past History and Their Future ProspectsC.H. Irwin Romans 11:11-32
People
Benjamin, David, Elias, Elijah, Jacob, Paul, Romans
Places
Rome, Zion
Topics
Arouse, Beyond, Descendants, Envious, Envy, Fall, Finally, Forbid, Gentiles, However, Indeed, Jealous, Jealousy, Lapse, Moved, Nations, Order, Provoke, Rather, Recovery, Ruined, Salvation, Steps, Stumble, Stumbled, Transgression, Trespass
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Romans 11:11

     7545   outsiders
     8733   envy

Romans 11:1-12

     6710   privileges
     7135   Israel, people of God

Romans 11:1-18

     7125   elect, the

Romans 11:1-36

     4492   olive

Romans 11:11-12

     4942   fulness
     8744   faithlessness, as disobedience

Romans 11:11-21

     7512   Gentiles, in NT

Romans 11:11-24

     4416   branch

Library
June 19. "Who Hath First Given to Him, and it Shall be Recompensed unto Him Again" (Rom. xi. 35).
"Who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again" (Rom. xi. 35). The Christian women of the world have it in their power, by a very little sacrifice, to add millions to the treasury of the Lord. Beloved sisters, have you found the joy of sacrifice for Jesus? Have you given up something that you might give it to Him? Are you giving your substance to Jesus? He will take it, and He will give you a thousandfold more. I should rather be connected with a work founded on great sacrifice
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Trinity Sunday the Article of Faith on the Trinity.
Text: Romans 11, 33-36. 33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out! 34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? 35 or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? 36 For of him and through him, and unto him, are all things. To him be the glory for ever. Amen. THE ARTICLE OF FAITH ON THE TRINITY. 1. This epistle is read today because the festival
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

Trinity Sunday the Doctrine of the Trinity.
Second Sermon. Text: Romans 11, 33-36. THE DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY.[1] [Footnote 1: This sermon was first printed in 1535, at Wittenberg.] 1. This festival requires us to instruct the people in the dogma of the Holy Trinity, and to strengthen both memory and faith concerning it. This is the reason why we take up the subject once more. Without proper instruction and a sound foundation in this regard, other dogmas cannot be rightly and successfully treated. The other festivals of the year present
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

Spiritual Blindness.
"As it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear."--ROMANS xi. 8. "Blindness in part is happened to Israel."--ROMANS xi. 25. It is a sad and painful reflection, and one which is continually forced upon us as we read the New Testament, that the long training and preparation of the Jews brought them at the last not to the acceptance but to the rejection of Jesus. They had been taught, generation after generation, that they
John Percival—Sermons at Rugby

Christianity Requires the Temper of Childhood.
MARK x. 15.--"Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein." These words of our Lord are very positive and emphatic, and will, therefore, receive a serious attention from every one who is anxious concerning his future destiny beyond the grave. For, they mention an indispensable requisite in order to an entrance into eternal life. "Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein."
William G.T. Shedd—Sermons to the Natural Man

The Hardening of Nations.
"The election hath obtained it, and the rest were hardened."-- Rom. xi. 7. St. Paul's word, at the head of this article, is strikingly impressive, and its content exceedingly rich and instructive. It clearly announces the fact that the hardening is not exceptional or occasional, but universal, affecting all, who, being in contact with the divine Love, are not saved by it. The last limitation is necessary, for of the heathen it can not be said that they are hardened. Only they can be hardened who
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Of Holy virginity
Of Holy Virginity. [De Virginitate.] Translated by Rev. C. I. Cornish, M.A., of Exeter College, Oxford Retr. ii. 23. "After I had written on the Good of Marriage,' it was expected that I should write on Holy Virginity; and I did not delay to do so: and that it is God's gift, and how great a gift, and with what humility to be guarded, so far as I was able I set forth in one volume. This book begins," &c. c1. We lately put forth a book "of the Good of Marriage," in which also we admonished and admonish
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

Now this Election the Apostle Demonstrating to Be...
17. Now this election the Apostle demonstrating to be, not of merits going before in good works, but election of grace, saith thus: "And in this time a remnant by election of grace is saved. But if by grace, then is it no more of works, otherwise grace is no more grace." [2672] This is election of grace; that is, election in which through the grace of God men are elected: this, I say, is election of grace which goes before all good merits of men. For if it be to any good merits that it is given,
St. Augustine—On Patience

History of Arian Opinions.
Arius's own sentiments; his Thalia and Letter to S. Alexander; corrections by Eusebius and others; extracts from the works of Asterius; letter of the Council of Jerusalem; first Creed of Arians at the Dedication of Antioch; second, Lucian's on the same occasion; third, by Theophronius; fourth, sent to Constans in Gaul; fifth, the Macrostich sent into Italy; sixth, at Sirmium; seventh, at the same place; and eighth also, as given above in §8; ninth, at Seleucia; tenth, at Constantinople; eleventh,
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

Epistle Xliii. To Eulogius and Anastasius, Bishops.
To Eulogius and Anastasius, Bishops. Gregory to Eulogius, Bishop of Alexandria, and Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch. When the excellent preacher says, As long as I am the apostle of the Gentiles I will honour my ministry (Rom. xi. 13); saying again in another place, We became as babes among you (1 Thess. ii. 7), he undoubtedly shews an example to us who come after him, that we should retain humility in our minds, and yet keep in honour the dignity of our order, so that neither should our humility be
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The Beatific vision. (Continued. )
In the Beatific Vision our intellect is glorified, and our thirst for knowledge completely satisfied. Man was created with a thirst for knowledge which can never be satiated in this world. Sin, which greatly weakened and darkened his mental faculties, has not taken away his desire and love for knowledge. And the knowledge which he acquired by eating the forbidden fruit, rather increased than satisfied his thirst. But all his efforts to reach the perfection of knowledge, even in the natural order,
F. J. Boudreaux—The Happiness of Heaven

The Sovereignty of God in Operation
"For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be the glory for ever. Amen" (Romans 11:36). Has God foreordained everything that comes to pass? Has He decreed that what is, was to have been? In the final analysis this is only another way of asking, Is God now governing the world and everyone and everything in it? If God is governing the world then is He governing it according to a definite purpose, or aimlessly and at random? If He is governing it according to some purpose, then
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

Reprobation Asserted: Or, the Doctrine of Eternal Election and Reprobation Promiscuously Handled, in Eleven Chapters.
WHEREIN THE MOST MATERIAL OBJECTIONS MADE BY THE OPPOSERS OF THIS DOCTRINE, ARE FULLY ANSWERED; SEVERAL DOUBTS REMOVED, AND SUNDRY CASES OF CONSCIENCE RESOLVED. BY JOHN BUNYAN OF BEDFORD, A LOVER OF PEACE AND TRUTH. 'What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.'--Romans 11:7 London: Printed for G. L., and are to be sold in Turn-stile-alley, in Holbourn. Small 4to, 44 pages. EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. This valuable tract
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Original and the Actual Relation of Man to Law.
ROMANS vii. 10.--"The commandment which, was ordained to life, I found to be unto death." The reader of St. Paul's Epistles is struck with the seemingly disparaging manner in which he speaks of the moral law. In one place, he tells his reader that "the law entered that the offence might abound;" in another, that "the law worketh wrath;" in another, that "sin shall not have dominion" over the believer because he is "not under the law;" in another, that Christians "are become dead to the law;" in
William G.T. Shedd—Sermons to the Natural Man

"Wash You, Make You Clean; Put Away the Evil of Your Doings from Before Mine Eyes; Cease to do Evil,"
Isaiah i. 16.--"Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil," &c. There are two evils in sin,--one is the nature of it, another the fruit and sad effect of it. In itself it is filthiness, and contrary to God's holiness; an abasing of the immortal soul; a spot in the face of the Lord of the creatures, that hath far debased him under them all. Though it be so unnatural to us, yet it is now in our fallen estate become, as it were, natural, so that
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

God's Works of Providence
Rom. xi. 36.--"For of him, and through him, and to him are all things, to whom be glory for ever, Amen."--Psal. ciii. 19.--"The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens and his kingdom ruleth over all."--Matt. x. 29.--"Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father." There is nothing more commonly confessed in words, than that the providence of God reaches to all the creatures and their actions, but I believe there is no point of religion
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Because of Its Bearing Upon the Gentiles.
This aspect of our subject has not received the attention which it deserves. It has been assumed by some that the present dispensation is the time when God is blessing the Gentiles and that in the Millennium the Jews will be the special objects of God's favor. It is true that in the Millennium Israel shall enter into the enjoyment of their inheritance and that at that time they shall occupy the chief position, governmentally, among the nations, but it is a mistake to suppose that the Gentiles will
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

Christ a Complete Saviour:
OR, THE INTERCESSION OF CHRIST, AND WHO ARE PRIVILEGED IN IT. BY JOHN BUNYAN Advertisement by the Editor. However strange it may appear, it is a solemn fact, that the heart of man, unless prepared by a sense of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, rejects Christ as a complete Saviour. The pride of human nature will not suffer it to fall, as helpless and utterly undone, into the arms of Divine mercy. Man prefers a partial Saviour; one who had done so much, that, with the sinner's aid, the work might be
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Some General Uses.
Before we come to speak of some particular cases of deadness, wherein believers are to make use of Christ as the Life, we shall first propose some useful consequences and deductions from what hath been spoken of this life; and, I. The faith of those things, which have been mentioned, would be of great use and advantage to believers; and therefore they should study to have the faith of this truth fixed on their hearts, and a deep impression thereof on their spirits, to the end, that, 1. Be their case
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

The Work of the Holy Spirit Distinguished.
"And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters."--Gen. i. 2. What, in general, is the work of the Holy Spirit as distinguished from that of the Father and of the Son? Not that every believer needs to know these distinctions in all particulars. The existence of faith does not depend upon intellectual distinctions. The main question is not whether we can distinguish the work of the Father from that of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, but whether we have experienced their gracious operations.
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

I Fear, I Say, Greatly for Thee, Lest...
39. I fear, I say, greatly for thee, lest, when thou boastest that thou wilt follow the Lamb wheresoever He shall have gone, thou be unable by reason of swelling pride to follow Him through strait ways. It is good for thee, O virgin soul, that thus, as thou art a virgin, thus altogether keeping in thy heart that thou hast been born again, keeping in thy flesh that thou hast been born, thou yet conceive of the fear of the Lord, and give birth to the spirit of salvation. [2142] "Fear," indeed, "there
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

Concerning the Ministry.
Concerning the Ministry. As by the light or gift of God all true knowledge in things spiritual is received and revealed, so by the same, as it is manifested and received in the heart, by the strength and power thereof, every true minister of the gospel is ordained, prepared, and supplied in the work of the ministry; and by the leading, moving, and drawing hereof ought every evangelist and Christian pastor to be led and ordered in his labour and work of the gospel, both as to the place where, as to
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

The Angel's Message and Song
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the LORD came upon them, and the glory of the LORD shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the LORD . And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

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