Romans 11:29

"Concerning the Good News, they are enemies for your sake. But concerning the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sake."

Key Reflection

In the context of Paul’s letter to the Romans, this passage addresses the relationship between Jewish believers and non-believing Jews during the time when Christianity was primarily a religion for Gentiles. The "they" refers to non-Christian Jews who initially opposed the Good News of Jesus Christ due to their understanding of covenant exclusivity with God. However, they are still beloved by God because of their ancestors, highlighting a continuity between God’s past covenants and his present grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 29. For the gifts. The favours or benefits which God bestows on men. The word (carisma) properly denotes any benefit which is conferred on another as a mere matter of favour, and not of reward. See Ro 5:15,10; 6:23. Such are all the favours which God bestows on sinners, including pardon, peace, joy, sanctification, and eternal life. And calling of God. The word calling (klhsiv) here denotes that act of God by which he extends an invitation to men to come and partake of his favours, whether it be by a personal revelation as to the patriarchs, Or by the promises of the gospel, or by the influences of his Spirit.

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