“As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes.”
As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs. — The paradox is stark: echthroi (enemies) with respect to the gospel (objective stance toward Christ), yet agapētoi (beloved) with respect to election (God's choosing predicated on patriarchal covenant). These are not contradictory but simultaneously true, revealing the complexity of God's relationship with Israel.
Church Fathers on Romans 11:28
“For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.” Not when they are circumcised, not when they sacrifice, not when they do the other deeds of the Law, but when they attain to the forgiveness of sins. If then this has been promised, but has never yet happened in their case, nor have they ever enjoyed the remission of sins by baptism, certainly it will come to pass. Hence he proceeds,
Read all 2 entries in the readerNicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
Publish a reflection on this verse
No reflections on this verse yet. Be the first to write one!