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Romans 11:17
Verse
Context
The Ingrafting of the Gentiles
16If the first part of the dough is holy, so is the whole batch; if the root is holy, so are the branches.17Now if some branches have been broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others to share in the nourishment of the olive root,18do not boast over those branches. If you do, remember this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.
Sermons
David Davis
George Fox
Andrew MurrayAndrew Murray
Arno Clemens Gaebelein George FoxSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And if some of the branches, etc. - If the present nation of the Jews, because of their unbelief, are cut off from the blessings of the Church of God, and the high honor and dignity of being his peculiar people; and thou, being a wild olive - ye Gentiles, being without the knowledge of the true God, and consequently bringing forth no fruits of righteousness, wert grafted in among them - are now inserted in the original stock, having been made partakers of the faith of Abraham, and consequently of his blessings; and enjoy, as the people did who sprang from him, the fatness of the olive tree - the promises made to the patriarchs, and the spiritual privileges of the Jewish Church: -
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And if--rather, "But if"; that is, "If notwithstanding this consecration of Abraham's race to God. some of the branches--The mass of the unbelieving and rejected Israelites are here called "some," not, as before, to meet Jewish prejudice (see on Rom 3:3, and on "not all" in Rom 10:16), but with the opposite view of checking Gentile pride. and thou, being a wild olive, wert--"wast" grafted in among them--Though it is more usual to graft the superior cutting upon the inferior stem, the opposite method, which is intended here, is not without example. and with them partakest--"wast made partaker," along with the branches left, the believing remnant. of the root and fatness of the olive tree--the rich grace secured by covenant to the true seed of Abraham.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And if some of the branches be broken,.... This is to be understood, not of the exclusion of the Jews from their national church; for the persons designed by the "branches", were the principal members of it, as the civil and ecclesiastical rulers, the priests, Scribes, and Pharisees, and the far greater part of the people; and on the other hand, the apostles and followers of Christ were put out of their synagogues, and deemed by them heretics and apostates: nor of the destruction of the Jewish nation, city, and temple; for as yet they existed as a nation, their city of Jerusalem was in being, and their temple standing: but of their being left out of the Gospel church, gathered among them, they not believing in the Messiah, but rejected and crucified him; and though afterwards the Gospel was preached to them, they despise it, contradicted, and blasphemed it; so that it pleased God to take it wholly away from them, when they might be truly said to be, "as branches broken off"; which phrase seems to be borrowed from Jer 11:16; they were withered, lifeless, and hopeless, being cast off by God, and neglected by his ministers, the Gospel being removed from them, and they without the means of grace and salvation: and this was the case of the generality of the people; for though the apostle only says "some", making the best of it in their favour against the Gentiles, and speaking in the softest terms; yet they were only a few, a seed, a remnant, that were taken into the Gospel church, and the rest were blinded, hardened, rejected, and left out for their unbelief: and thou being a wild olive tree: speaking to the Gentiles, to some, not to all of them; for not a whole tree, but a part of one, what is cut out of it, a scion from it is grafted into another; and so they were a certain number which God took out from among the Gentiles, to be a people for his name and glory, and who before conversion were comparable to a wild olive tree; for though they might have some show of morality, religion, and worship, yet lived in gross ignorance, superstition, idolatry, and profaneness were destitute of a divine revelation, of all spiritual light and knowledge, of true righteousness and the grace of God; were barren and unfruitful in good works, were without hope, God and Christ in the world. This metaphor rather regards their character, case, and manners, than their original; in respect of which they and the Jews were on a level, being by nature equally corrupt, and children of wrath; and yet though a wild olive tree, were grafted amongst them; meaning either the broken branches, in whose stead they were grafted; the Syriac version favours this sense, reading it "in their place"; as also in Rom 11:19; and so the Ethiopic version: or rather the believing Jews, of whom the first Gospel church and churches consisted; for the Jews first trusted in Christ, received the firstfruits of the Spirit, and were first incorporated into a Gospel church state; and then the Gentiles which believed were received among them. The first coalition of Jews and Gentiles, or the ingrafting of the Gentiles in among the Jews that believed, was at Antioch, when dropping their distinctive names of Jews and Gentiles, they took the common name of Christians, Act 11:19. So that this is not to be understood of an ingrafting into Christ unless by a visible profession, but of being received into a Gospel church state; which is signified by the "olive tree" in the next clause: and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; the Gospel church is so called for its excellency the olive tree being a choice tree, as they were a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; for its fruitfulness, bringing forth berries that are wholesome, delightful, and useful, so the saints are filled with the fruits of grace, and good works, which are by Christ to the praise and glory of God; for its beauty when laden with fruit, so a Gospel church is beautiful maintaining the purity of Gospel doctrine, discipline, worship and conversation; "his beauty shall be as the olive tree", Hos 14:6; see Jer 11:16; and for its verdure and durableness, and growing on the mountains, all which may denote the continuance and firmness of the church of Christ. Now the Gentiles being grafted into a Gospel church state with the believing Jews, partook of the same root and fatness as they did, being built upon the same "foundation of the apostles prophets", Eph 2:20; rooted, grounded, and built up in the same church state they enjoyed the same privileges, had the doctrines of Christ and his apostles preached to them, communicated with them in the ordinances of the Gospel, and were satisfied with the goodness and fatness of the house of God; for they became "fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the Gospel", Eph 3:6, the apostle speaks according to the nature of the olive tree, which is unctuous, from whence an oil is taken, which makes the face of man to shine, the fruit of which fattens those that are lean; and hence it loses not its leaves, , "because of its heat and fatness", as Plutarch (x) says. (x) Sympos. l. 8. qu. 10.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
11:17-24 In Paul’s extended metaphor, God’s special olive tree refers to the people of God. The image is a natural one, because the olive tree is the most widely cultivated fruit tree in the Mediterranean basin, and it was already used as a symbol of Israel in the Old Testament (Jer 11:16; Hos 14:5-6). Paul refers to the Gentile Christians as branches from a wild olive tree because they were not originally included among the people of God.
Romans 11:17
The Ingrafting of the Gentiles
16If the first part of the dough is holy, so is the whole batch; if the root is holy, so are the branches.17Now if some branches have been broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others to share in the nourishment of the olive root,18do not boast over those branches. If you do, remember this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
David Davis - One New Man (Alternate)
By David Davis1.3K27:23ISA 10:27ISA 11:2ZEC 4:6MAT 26:36ROM 11:17REV 1:12REV 1:20
This sermon focuses on the restoration and unity between Jews and Arabs in Israel, highlighting the revival and miraculous transformations happening in communities. It emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit's anointing, symbolized by the seven-branched candlestick and two olive trees, representing the fullness of God's presence and the unity of Jew and Gentile believers. The message encourages repentance, staying rooted in God's love, and seeking the anointing of the Holy Spirit to break yokes and bring transformation.
Epistle 359
By George Fox0Spiritual NourishmentNew CovenantJER 31:33JHN 1:3JHN 6:32ACT 4:12ROM 11:17ROM 14:171CO 6:19EPH 4:10PHP 2:91JN 1:7George Fox emphasizes the significance of believers being grafted into Christ, the source of life and salvation, and gathering in His name. He contrasts the old covenant with the new, highlighting that true nourishment for the soul comes from the heavenly bread provided by Christ, rather than from worldly sources. Fox calls for believers to be sanctified and clothed in the righteousness of Christ, which surpasses the old ways of the law. He stresses that the new covenant is about internal transformation and spiritual enlightenment, as opposed to external rituals. Ultimately, he encourages believers to rely on the Spirit of God for guidance and sustenance in their spiritual journey.
As the Branch in the Vine.-John 15:5
By Andrew Murray0Abiding in JesusUnion with ChristJHN 14:20JHN 15:5JHN 15:16ROM 11:172CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 3:20PHP 4:13COL 1:271JN 4:15Andrew Murray expounds on John 15:5, illustrating the profound relationship between Christ as the vine and believers as branches. He emphasizes that this union is a divine act, where believers draw life and strength from Christ, and in turn, are called to bear fruit for His glory. Murray highlights the mutual dependence of the vine and branches, asserting that neither can fulfill their purpose without the other. He encourages believers to fully embrace their identity in Christ, recognizing that their existence is for the service of the vine, and that abiding in Him is essential for spiritual fruitfulness. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of this union, urging believers to rest in Christ's love and grace.
You Can Do Nothing
By Andrew Murray0Abiding in ChristDependence On GodISA 40:29JHN 14:6JHN 15:4ROM 11:172CO 12:9GAL 2:20EPH 3:20PHP 4:13COL 1:27Andrew Murray emphasizes the vital truth that apart from Christ, we can do nothing, drawing parallels between the relationship of the vine and branches. He illustrates that just as Jesus depended on the Father for His life and actions, so too must believers rely on Christ for spiritual vitality and fruitfulness. This dependence leads to a deeper understanding of our own helplessness and the necessity of abiding in Christ to produce good works. Murray encourages believers to embrace their nothingness as a source of strength, recognizing that true life and power come from their connection to the true Vine. Ultimately, he calls for a heartfelt commitment to abide in Christ, leading to abundant fruitfulness in the Christian life.
Nebuchadnezzar's Dream Vision. His Insanity and Restoration
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0ISA 5:7EZK 31:3DAN 4:22DAN 4:33MAT 13:31ROM 11:17PHP 2:3REV 13:14Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches on the story of King Nebuchadnezzar's pride, fall, and restoration as a warning against self-exaltation and the consequences of turning away from God. The King's experience of being humbled and then restored serves as a lesson for both individuals and nations, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the Most High and living in humility. The symbolism of the great tree in the Bible represents man's power and influence on earth, with Nebuchadnezzar's downfall illustrating the inevitable judgment on pride and self-exaltation.
Epistle 306
By George Fox0ROM 11:17George Fox preaches about the importance of abiding in Christ to bear much fruit in this life and inherit eternal life, emphasizing the need to be hidden with Christ in God and be conformed to His image, experiencing the power of His resurrection and fellowship in His sufferings. He warns against dead faith, false hope, and defiled ways that do not lead to salvation, highlighting the necessity of being marked by Jesus and following the pure religion from above. Fox also stresses the significance of true worship in spirit and truth, led by Christ Jesus, and the danger of following instructers who cause people to err from the spirit of truth.
The Church of God in Relation to the Coming of the Lord.
By William Kelly0MRK 10:29JHN 14:2ROM 11:171CO 4:81CO 12:13GAL 4:9EPH 1:181TH 4:162TH 2:2William Kelly preaches about the unique position of the Church of God in relation to Christ's coming, emphasizing the heavenly nature of the Church as distinct from earthly expectations. He highlights the importance of understanding the Church's hope in Christ's return, the need for separation from worldly influences, and the dangers of false teachings and distractions that hinder the true expression of faith and allegiance to the Lord. Kelly stresses the significance of the Church's identification with Christ, the anticipation of His coming as the Bridegroom, and the impending judgment on false elements within Christendom, urging believers to prioritize their relationship with Christ above all else.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And if some of the branches, etc. - If the present nation of the Jews, because of their unbelief, are cut off from the blessings of the Church of God, and the high honor and dignity of being his peculiar people; and thou, being a wild olive - ye Gentiles, being without the knowledge of the true God, and consequently bringing forth no fruits of righteousness, wert grafted in among them - are now inserted in the original stock, having been made partakers of the faith of Abraham, and consequently of his blessings; and enjoy, as the people did who sprang from him, the fatness of the olive tree - the promises made to the patriarchs, and the spiritual privileges of the Jewish Church: -
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And if--rather, "But if"; that is, "If notwithstanding this consecration of Abraham's race to God. some of the branches--The mass of the unbelieving and rejected Israelites are here called "some," not, as before, to meet Jewish prejudice (see on Rom 3:3, and on "not all" in Rom 10:16), but with the opposite view of checking Gentile pride. and thou, being a wild olive, wert--"wast" grafted in among them--Though it is more usual to graft the superior cutting upon the inferior stem, the opposite method, which is intended here, is not without example. and with them partakest--"wast made partaker," along with the branches left, the believing remnant. of the root and fatness of the olive tree--the rich grace secured by covenant to the true seed of Abraham.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And if some of the branches be broken,.... This is to be understood, not of the exclusion of the Jews from their national church; for the persons designed by the "branches", were the principal members of it, as the civil and ecclesiastical rulers, the priests, Scribes, and Pharisees, and the far greater part of the people; and on the other hand, the apostles and followers of Christ were put out of their synagogues, and deemed by them heretics and apostates: nor of the destruction of the Jewish nation, city, and temple; for as yet they existed as a nation, their city of Jerusalem was in being, and their temple standing: but of their being left out of the Gospel church, gathered among them, they not believing in the Messiah, but rejected and crucified him; and though afterwards the Gospel was preached to them, they despise it, contradicted, and blasphemed it; so that it pleased God to take it wholly away from them, when they might be truly said to be, "as branches broken off"; which phrase seems to be borrowed from Jer 11:16; they were withered, lifeless, and hopeless, being cast off by God, and neglected by his ministers, the Gospel being removed from them, and they without the means of grace and salvation: and this was the case of the generality of the people; for though the apostle only says "some", making the best of it in their favour against the Gentiles, and speaking in the softest terms; yet they were only a few, a seed, a remnant, that were taken into the Gospel church, and the rest were blinded, hardened, rejected, and left out for their unbelief: and thou being a wild olive tree: speaking to the Gentiles, to some, not to all of them; for not a whole tree, but a part of one, what is cut out of it, a scion from it is grafted into another; and so they were a certain number which God took out from among the Gentiles, to be a people for his name and glory, and who before conversion were comparable to a wild olive tree; for though they might have some show of morality, religion, and worship, yet lived in gross ignorance, superstition, idolatry, and profaneness were destitute of a divine revelation, of all spiritual light and knowledge, of true righteousness and the grace of God; were barren and unfruitful in good works, were without hope, God and Christ in the world. This metaphor rather regards their character, case, and manners, than their original; in respect of which they and the Jews were on a level, being by nature equally corrupt, and children of wrath; and yet though a wild olive tree, were grafted amongst them; meaning either the broken branches, in whose stead they were grafted; the Syriac version favours this sense, reading it "in their place"; as also in Rom 11:19; and so the Ethiopic version: or rather the believing Jews, of whom the first Gospel church and churches consisted; for the Jews first trusted in Christ, received the firstfruits of the Spirit, and were first incorporated into a Gospel church state; and then the Gentiles which believed were received among them. The first coalition of Jews and Gentiles, or the ingrafting of the Gentiles in among the Jews that believed, was at Antioch, when dropping their distinctive names of Jews and Gentiles, they took the common name of Christians, Act 11:19. So that this is not to be understood of an ingrafting into Christ unless by a visible profession, but of being received into a Gospel church state; which is signified by the "olive tree" in the next clause: and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; the Gospel church is so called for its excellency the olive tree being a choice tree, as they were a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; for its fruitfulness, bringing forth berries that are wholesome, delightful, and useful, so the saints are filled with the fruits of grace, and good works, which are by Christ to the praise and glory of God; for its beauty when laden with fruit, so a Gospel church is beautiful maintaining the purity of Gospel doctrine, discipline, worship and conversation; "his beauty shall be as the olive tree", Hos 14:6; see Jer 11:16; and for its verdure and durableness, and growing on the mountains, all which may denote the continuance and firmness of the church of Christ. Now the Gentiles being grafted into a Gospel church state with the believing Jews, partook of the same root and fatness as they did, being built upon the same "foundation of the apostles prophets", Eph 2:20; rooted, grounded, and built up in the same church state they enjoyed the same privileges, had the doctrines of Christ and his apostles preached to them, communicated with them in the ordinances of the Gospel, and were satisfied with the goodness and fatness of the house of God; for they became "fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the Gospel", Eph 3:6, the apostle speaks according to the nature of the olive tree, which is unctuous, from whence an oil is taken, which makes the face of man to shine, the fruit of which fattens those that are lean; and hence it loses not its leaves, , "because of its heat and fatness", as Plutarch (x) says. (x) Sympos. l. 8. qu. 10.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
11:17-24 In Paul’s extended metaphor, God’s special olive tree refers to the people of God. The image is a natural one, because the olive tree is the most widely cultivated fruit tree in the Mediterranean basin, and it was already used as a symbol of Israel in the Old Testament (Jer 11:16; Hos 14:5-6). Paul refers to the Gentile Christians as branches from a wild olive tree because they were not originally included among the people of God.