Romans 11:1-36
Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry in order somehow to make my fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them. (vv. 13-14) I have been fascinated and confused all along about Paul speaking about the Jews in chapters 9-11; he is writing to the Romans and the Jews had been kicked out of Rome, according Acts 18:2, And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. So maybe in the ensuing 3+ years the Jews had been allowed back? But whatever is going on in Rome, in today’s reading he cautions these Gentiles not to make too much of themselves: But if some of the branches were broken off, and you … were grafted in … and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches… (vv. 17-18a) I think there’s a message there for us today, not to make too much of ourselves as being Anglican and being arrogant toward believers in other denominations who do not align themselves with what we follow as traditional, historical Christian beliefs. Do not be arrogant…!
See also: June 30 / Romans 11:1-10; July 1 / Romans 11:11-24; July 2 / Romans 11:25-36
Wow! This was a really meaty reading today. Fred, I appreciate your comment about arrogance. Rather than turning our noses up at other believers with different or even errant beliefs, we need to ache for them and pray until we have God’s heart for them. How the world would be different if we actually followed Jesus!
You said it a lot better than what I said. Your phrases, “turning our noses up” and “errant beliefs” captured better my thoughts. And yes, prayer. Why do I always forget that??!!
But Fred, I and the others might not be focused on God’s Word without you faithfully starting the conversation for us. So, thank you!
There is more truth to that statement than you know! Yes, thanks Fred. Your faithfulness is greatly appreciated!