SUMMARY
Because the Jewish people, by and large, have refused to accept the gospel, it has gone to the Gentiles.
ANALYSIS
In the three chapters of Romans 9-11, PaulA Christian missionary who once persecuted the church More seeks to figure out why the Jewish people (with a few exceptions, such as himself) have not accepted the gospel, but Gentiles have. During his time the Christian faith was becoming increasingly a GentileA gentile is anyone who is not Jewish. The term, which is derived from words that the Bible uses to denote the "nations" of the world, reflects beliefs that God had designated Israel as a nation that would be distinct from others, and a blessing... More religion in most parts of the Roman EmpireThe region we today call Palestine and Israel was under Roman rule during the time of Jesus and the early church. The Roman Empire was in its ascendancy during the first century, making it the most powerful political and military force on earth. More, including Rome itself. Paul claims that God has made a temporary detour. For the time being, Israel’s “no” to the gospel is in accord with God’s plan. The “no” allows the gospel to go to the Gentiles, where it is being received. SalvationSalvation can mean saved from something (deliverance) or for something (redemption). Paul preached that salvation comes through the death of Christ on the cross which redeemed sinners from death and for a grace-filled life. More has come to the Gentiles, he says, but he also expects that the growth of Christian faith among Gentiles will make the Jewish people “jealous” enough to reconsider.
