thinking bible.

You asked

what was paul's understanding of 'gentiles' and how did it shape this argument for roman readers?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Romans 11:11-12

I ask then, did they stumble that they might fall? May it never be! But by their fall salvation has come to the Gentiles, to provoke them to jealousy. Now if their fall is the riches of the world, and their loss the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fullness!

The Apostle Paul, writing to believers in Rome (likely in the mid-50s CE), is addressing complex questions about God's ongoing relationship with Israel, particularly in light of many Gentiles embracing the message of Jesus. He wants to clarify how the inclusion of non-Jews relates to God's ancient promises to the Jewish people.

How might recognizing the interconnectedness of different groups' spiritual journeys shape our understanding of our own place and purpose?

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Read alongside it

  • Romans 1:16

    Paul states his mission is to bring the good news to 'Jew first and also to the Greek (Gentile).'

  • Galatians 3:28

    Paul declares that in Christ, distinctions like 'Jew nor Greek' lose their ultimate dividing power.

  • Acts 15:1-12

    This passage recounts the Jerusalem Council debating whether Gentile converts needed to follow Jewish law.

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