Romans 11:15

The casting away. Gr. apobole. The word occurs in the NT only here and in Acts 27:22, where it is translated “loss.” Paul has previously denied that God has cast away His people (Rom. 11:1,2), but here he affirms it. Both statements are true, however. The nation of Israel as the chosen agency for world evangelism was indeed cast away, but a faithful remnant had accepted the Messiah, and the missionary efforts of the early church were constantly adding to their number. See Vol. IV, p. 35.

In this verse the argument of v. 12 is repeated in different language. Though having to cast off the greater part of His ancient people because of their faithlessness, God overruled this to reconcile to Himself those who had “sought” Him not (ch. 10:20).

Reconciling of the world. Paul regarded his ministry as a work of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18, 19, cf. Col. 1:20). Following the rejection of the nation of Israel (see on Rom. 11:2, 12), the gospel of Christ has been spread to the nations of the world, and believers everywhere have been reconciled to God.

Receiving. Gr. proslepsis, “acceptance,” “reception.” The word occurs nowhere else in the NT, but its meaning is shown by the usage of the verb from which it is derived (see chs. 14:3; 15:7). Paul is here doubtless speaking of an influx into the Christian church of such Jews as accept Christ.

Life from the dead. Some commentators have taken this literally to mean that as soon as God’s purpose has been fulfilled in the “receiving of” Israel (see above under “receiving”), His purpose for the salvation of the world will also be completed, and the kingdom of Christ will be ushered in at the resurrection.

However, this commentary takes the position that Paul’s language is figurative (cf. Luke 15:24, 32). The phrase “life from the dead” is not used elsewhere in the NT for “the resurrection.” Paul was doubtless referring to the tremendous spiritual quickening that would sweep the world as a result of the preaching of the gospel. Many Jews who were before spiritually dead would accept Jesus Christ and unite in proclaiming the gospel. Compare AA 381.

“The receiving of them” must not be interpreted to mean that the privileges and blessings anciently accorded to the nation of Israel will be restored to them and that the literal nation of the Jews will again be God’s chosen nation. The rejection of them as a nation was final. Jesus made this abundantly clear in His parable of the Wicked Husbandmen (see on Matt. 21:33-43). The “kingdom of God” was taken from them and was “given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof” (Matt. 21:43). However, as individuals they may be saved by uniting with the Christian church (see on Rom. 11:23, 24).