Age of the Gentiles, Israel – Romans 11:28
28 As regards the gospel, they are enemies of God for your sake. But as regards election, they are o beloved for the sake of their forefathers. 29 For the gifts and p the calling of God are irrevocable. 30 For just as q you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, 31 so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now [5] receive mercy. 32 For God r has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.
ESV Study Bible notes:
- The unbelief of Israel has benefited the Gentiles, i.e., this is the period of history in which Gentiles are being saved, while most of Israel remains in unbelief.
- But God’s electing promise given to their forefathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will be fulfilled in the future.
- Salvation history is structured to feature God’s great mercy.
- God saved the Gentiles when one would expect only the Jews to be saved, but in the future he will amaze all by his grace again by saving the Jews, so that it will be clear that everyone’s salvation is by mercy alone.
- The final now in the text does not mean the promise to the Jews is now fulfilled but that the promise of Jewish salvation could be fulfilled at any time.
- Rom. 11:32 The word all here refers to Jews and Gentiles (all without distinction, not all without exception).
- The sin and disobedience of both Jews and Gentiles is highlighted, to emphasize God’s mercy in saving some among both Jews and Gentiles.
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