Romans 11:13

For. Textual evidence is divided (cf. p. 10) between this and the reading “and” or “but.” Paul has reached a place where his argument concerning the state of the Jews is also touching the position of the Gentiles (vs. 11, 12). Therefore he pauses to explain, parenthetically, that his love for his own countrymen and his zeal to carry out his commission to the Gentiles are both working toward the same end. His desire to save his fellow Jews makes him all the more zealous to work for the salvation of the Gentiles, for this will bring good to his countrymen. And this in turn will bring greater good to the Gentiles.

You Gentiles. Paul has been referring to the Jews in the third person, “they” (see v. 11; etc.), but he addresses the Gentiles in the second person, “you” (vs. 13-31). This verse provides further evidence that the church at Rome may have been made up largely of Gentiles (see on ch. 1:13).

Inasmuch as. Important textual evidence may be cited (cf. p. 10) for the addition of the word “therefore” after “inasmuch as.” The inclusion of this word separates this clause from the preceding clause, “for I speak to you Gentiles,” and connects the second clause more closely with the following, “I magnify mine office.” Consequently, a number of versions punctuate with a period after “you Gentiles” (RSV; RV; ASV; etc.).

Magnify. Gr. doxazd, “to glorify,” “to extol.”

Office. Gr. diakonia, “ministry,” as the word is translated in ch. 12:7. Paul magnified his ministry to the Gentiles by doing everything possible to bring the gospel to them. He is expressing the hope that the success of his ministry among the Gentiles will result in a favorable influence on the Jews (see on ch. 11:11). He glorified his ministry in order to make his fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them (v. 14).