Romans 11:28-29

Context

This passage comes near the end of chapters 9–11 of Romans, the letter the apostle Paul sent to the church in Rome, in which he addresses the destiny of Israel. In 11:13 Paul states that he is speaking "to you Gentiles." He then uses the illustration of the olive tree (11:17-24) to warn Gentile believers not to boast over Israel. Next he discloses the mystery that the partial hardening of Israel will last until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in, and that afterward "all Israel shall be saved" (11:25-27).

Verses 28-29 summarize the grounds for this statement. Insofar as they have rejected the gospel, the Israelites are "enemies" for the sake of the Gentiles. Yet insofar as God has chosen them, they remain beloved for the sake of the fathers, namely Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The "gifts" of verse 29 (Greek charismata, gifts freely bestowed by grace) are commonly interpreted, in context, as referring to the privileges of Israel listed in 9:4-5 (the adoption, the covenants, the law, the promises, and so on). "Without repentance" means that what God has once given He does not take back. The section concludes with the doxology of 11:33-36.

Interpretation

• Future conversion view: Many evangelical and Reformed commentators see this passage as grounds for expecting that many among ethnic Israel will come to faith in Christ in the future.
• Dispensationalist reading: Dispensationalism reads the passage as evidence that the promises made to ethnic Israel, as distinct from the church, remain in force. It sometimes connects the passage with the national restoration of Israel.
• Covenant theology reading: Many scholars within covenant theology and the Reformed tradition emphasize that the people of God are one in Christ. They read the passage as an expression of God's faithfulness toward the Jews but do not take it to mean that the Jews have a separate way of salvation. Within this tradition, views differ on whether "all Israel" refers to the elect Jews throughout history or to the whole people of God, both Jews and Gentiles.
• Catholic reading: The Catholic Church cited this passage in Nostra Aetate, the 1965 declaration of the Second Vatican Council. The declaration affirmed that the Jews remain beloved of God for the sake of the fathers, and it later became an important foundation for dialogue with Judaism.

Debates and Issues

• Two-covenant theology: Some theologians argue on the basis of verse 29 that the Jews are saved within their own distinct covenant. Evangelicals respond, citing Romans 1:16 and chapter 10, that Paul's position is that the Jews also need the gospel.
• Citation out of context: Verse 29 is frequently cited to mean that an individual's gifts or calling to an office can never be revoked. It is also used as a supporting text for the perseverance of the saints. Some point out, however, that such applications call for caution, since the original context concerns the community of Israel. Using the verse to justify the continued ministry of leaders who have committed wrongdoing has drawn particular criticism.
• Translation: The original text does not specify whose "enemies" the Israelites are. Because the word is paired with the following "beloved," many interpreters read it as meaning enemies from God's standpoint.

In the Korean Church

Verse 29 is commonly cited in sermons on dedication and calling. Verse 28 is also sometimes used as a key text at gatherings and by organizations that emphasize the restoration of Israel and missions to the Jewish people.

Related Passages

• Romans 11:17-24
• Isaiah 59:20-21
• Malachi 3:6
• 2 Timothy 2:13