For if the first-fruit is holy, the dough is also; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. Truth to Learn Like the believing Jews, we are set-apart by God for His use. Behind the Words The word “first-fruit” is from the Greek word aparchē, which is...
Romans 11:15 – Again, God’s Choice
For if their rejection is a reconciling of the world, what is their acceptance if not life from the dead? Truth to Learn God decides whom He will chose and whom He will reject. Behind the Words “Rejection” is a translation of the Greek word apobolē, which is made...
Romans 11:14 – It May be a Way
if somehow I may provoke those who are my flesh to jealousy and might save some of them. Truth to Learn Preaching the Gospel message may evoke an emotional response in others, and it also might provoke them to salvation. Behind the Words The word translated, “if” is the Greek...
Romans 11:13 – Service Honors
But I speak to you Gentiles; inasmuch as I am indeed an apostle of the Gentiles, I honor my ministry, Truth to Learn Service to God is a great privilege and an honor, which should humble us now and forever. Behind the Words Many translations of this verse start...
Romans 11:12 – How Rich We Are!
Now if their fall means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness! Truth to Learn Because of the failure of the Jews to listen to and follow God, the offer of salvation has come to the Gentiles. Behind the...
Romans 11:11 – Share the Treasure!
I say then, did they stumble that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their fall, salvation came to the Gentiles, to provoke them to jealousy. Truth to Learn The Jews lost their “most favored” position so we could receive it. We need to share it so that we don’t...
Romans 11:10 – Blind Disobedience
Let their eyes be darkened, so that they do not see, and bow down their back always." Truth to Learn Whether blinded or obedient, we will all bow before Him. Behind the Words “Eyes” is translated from ophthalmos, which refers to the eyes either literally or figuratively. From this...
Romans 11:9 – Ensnared by Blessings
And David says: "Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a repayment to them. Truth to Learn Blessings can become a trap if taken for granted. Behind the Words The words “let … become” are translated from a form of ginomai, meaning “to...
Romans 11:8 – Divine Stupidity
Just as it is written: "God has given them a spirit of stupor, eyes to not see and ears to not hear, until this very day." Truth to Learn God is the one who enlightens or stupefies. Behind the Words The word translated “stupor” is katanuxis, which is the...
Romans 11:7 – Chosen or Hardened
What then? Israel did not obtain what it seeks; but the chosen ones obtained it, and the rest were hardened. Truth to Learn God chooses some and hardens the rest. Behind the Words The word “obtain” is translated from the Greek word epitugchanō. This word is made up of...