Romans 11:17-24
17 “But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the [j]rich root of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you. 19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; 21 for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either. 22 See then the kindness and severity of God: to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness; for otherwise you too will be cut off. 23 And they also, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in; for God is able to graft them in again.24 For if you were cut off from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these who are the natural branches be grafted into their own olive tree?”
Wild olive: Paul is referring to the Gentiles who have now been included into the plan of God’s salvation (Romans 9:30).
Don’t be arrogant to the branches: Paul spends equal amounts of time chastising Jew and Gentile’s treatment of one another. Just as Israel ought not be judgmental towards the Gentiles, the Gentiles need to realize that they have been included as a gift apart from works.
Grafted in: This is Paul’s language to express God’s inclusion of the Gentiles. Israel was the original elected people. Now, Gentiles have been included into their tree. This is not meant to be taken literally. Gentiles did not take a spot that belonged to someone else. People aren’t broken off or losing their salvation. Paul is saying that Israel believed God for a long time but now they’re unbelieving. Therefore, God has grafted in the Gentiles.
Kindness and severity: Paul is speaking of a dynamic God here. Yes, God has kindness, but He is also not afraid to use severity in order to save as many people as possible. God is love but this love is not a passive love. He will cut off all who do not believe in Jesus. There is a decision to be made.
Continue in kindness: Paul is not speaking of losing salvation. The tree is the story of the people interacting with God. Israel was the original part of the tree but was cut off because of unbelief. Gentiles, likewise, will be cut off as a people group if they do not continue to believe. Paul also has in mind an application to individuals. We are not saved simply because we pray a prayer. We are saved when we believe. Continuing in kindness is a journey towards belief in Jesus.
God is able to graft them in again: Paul affirms that God’s mercy knows no bounds. Israel can believe in Jesus and be grafted back into the tree. But it remains their decision as a nation.
