Resuming with the root-branch imagery he introduced in verse 16, the apostle Paul now begins to build a metaphor centered on the image of an olive tree. This metaphor is difficult to interpret and has led to all sorts of misunderstandings and conclusions that contradict other Scriptural passages. We will try to break it down piece by piece and to understand it in the light of the whole counsel of God’s Word.
We saw on September 16th https://bibletimestabletalk.blogspot.com/ that the "root" of verse 16 is Abraham, and the fact that he was "holy" or "set apart" by God, means that his descendants (the Jews) are also set apart.
Now Paul’s image of the root grows into an olive tree from which branches have been "broken off" to make way for the ingrafting of branches from a "wild olive tree." The broken-off branches are clearly Jews, descendants of Abraham, while the wild branches are clearly Gentiles, but what does Paul mean by "broken off."
The easy conclusion is that he is saying that God withdrew His grace from some Jews, causing them to lose salvation. But this interpretation is precisely what Paul is arguing against in chapters 9-11, the idea that God has proved Himself untrustworthy by casting out individuals who were saved. And more important, Scripture leaves no doubt that true faith cannot be lost.
When Paul speaks of "branches," "he is talking about either individuals or nations specifically, but only about the masses of Jew and many Gentiles." This interpretation fits with the context of chapter 11. No saved Jew has been condemned to make room for the Gentile. But God has ceased to call many Jews, instead of extending His call mainly to Gentiles, "grafting in" those who believe in Christ.
…to be cont.
In Christ,
Janet Irene Thomas
Playwright/Director/Screen Writer
Producer/Gospel Lyricist/Author
Founder/CEO
Bible Stories Theatre of
Fine & Performing Arts
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