What is the meaning of Romans 11:28? Regarding the gospel • Paul opens by setting the frame of reference: “Regarding the gospel…” (Romans 11:28). • The term “gospel” points to the saving message of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). • By specifying “regarding,” he distinguishes Israel’s present stance toward that message from God’s larger redemptive plan. • The gospel has gone out to all nations (Matthew 24:14), yet many Jewish people of Paul’s day did not believe (Acts 13:45-46). they are enemies • Paul states, “…they are enemies…” (Romans 11:28). • “Enemies” describes active opposition to the gospel (John 15:23-25; 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16). • This hostility was evident in persecutions faced by early believers (Acts 14:2, 19). • It is a relational term: in rejecting the message, they set themselves at odds with God’s saving work (James 4:4). on your account • The phrase clarifies why Israel’s present unbelief serves a purpose: it benefits Gentile believers. • Through Israel’s stumbling, “salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel jealous” (Romans 11:11-12, 15). • God used their resistance to open a doorway of mercy to the nations (Acts 28:28). • Believers from every people group therefore owe gratitude for the gospel opportunity that emerged (Ephesians 2:11-13). but regarding election • A sharp contrast follows: “but regarding election…” (Romans 11:28). • “Election” refers to God’s sovereign choice, rooted in His eternal purpose (Romans 9:11-13; Ephesians 1:4-6). • Even while some resist the gospel, God’s calling of Israel remains intact (Romans 11:29). • The tension between present unbelief and enduring election underscores both human responsibility and divine faithfulness. they are loved • Paul affirms, “…they are loved…” (Romans 11:28). • God’s covenant affection has never cooled (Jeremiah 31:3; Hosea 11:1). • This love is not sentimental but covenantal, expressed in promises that will culminate in a future national turning to Christ (Romans 11:26-27). • The very people labeled “enemies” for now are still cherished by the God who swore an oath to them (Psalm 105:8-10). on account of the patriarchs • The ground of this enduring love is “on account of the patriarchs” (Romans 11:28). • God’s oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob secured an everlasting covenant (Genesis 17:7; 26:3-4; 28:13-15). • His name and reputation are bound to fulfilling what He pledged (Exodus 2:24; Micah 7:20). • The faithful character of God guarantees He will keep every promise to the descendants of the patriarchs, culminating in their future restoration (Zechariah 12:10; Romans 15:8-9). summary Romans 11:28 balances two simultaneous truths: Israel’s current resistance to the gospel makes them “enemies” from the vantage point of Gentile believers, yet God’s irrevocable election founded on His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob means they are still “loved.” Their unbelief has served God’s wider plan to bring salvation to the nations, but His covenant faithfulness assures that Israel’s story is not finished. |
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