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Romans 11:22
Verse
Context
The Ingrafting of the Gentiles
21For if God did not spare the natural branches, He will certainly not spare you either.22Take notice, therefore, of the kindness and severity of God: severity to those who fell, but kindness to you, if you continue in His kindness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.23And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.
Sermons
Jacob Prasch
David Wilkerson
Art Katz
Michael L. Brown
Zac PoonenArt Katz
Erlo StegenSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Behold therefore the goodness - The exclamation, Behold the goodness of God! is frequent among the Jewish writers, when they wish to call the attention of men to particular displays of God's mercy, especially towards those who are singularly unworthy. See several instances in Schoettgen. And severity of God - As χρηστοτης, goodness, signifies the essential quality of the Divine nature, the fountain of all good to men and angels, so αποτομια, severity, as it is here translated, signifies that particular exercise of his goodness and holiness which leads him to sever from his mystical body whatsoever would injure, corrupt, or destroy it. The apostle in these verses uses a metaphor taken from engrafting, εγκεντρισις, from the verb εγκεντριζω, from εν, in, and κεντριζω, to puncture, because engrafting was frequently done by making a puncture in the bark of a tree, and then inserting a bud taken from another. This was the practice in the Roman agriculture, as we learn from Virgil, Georg. ii, ver. 73: - Nam qua se medio trudunt de cortice gemmae, Et tenues rumpunt tunicas, angustus in ipso Fit nodo sinus: huc aliena ex arbore germen Includunt, udoque docent inolescere libro. For where the tender rinds of trees disclose Their shooting gems, a swelling knot there grows; Just in that space a narrow slit we make, Then other buds from bearing trees we take; Inserted thus, the wounded rind we close, In whose moist womb the admitted infant grows. Dryden. In all countries the principle is the same, though the mode is various. The apostle, having adopted this metaphor as the best he could find to express that act of God's justice and mercy by which the Jews were rejected, and the Gentiles elected in their stead, and, in order to show that though the Jewish tree was cut down, or its branches lopped off, yet it was not rooted up, he informs the Gentile believers that, as it is customary to insert a good scion in a bad or useless stock, they who were bad, contrary to the custom in such cases, were grafted in a good stock, and their growth and fruitfulness proclaimed the excellence and vegetative life of the stock in which they were inserted. This was the goodness of the heavenly gardener to them; but it was severity, αποτομια, an act of excision to the Jews. The reader will observe that this term belongs to engrafting: often, in this operation, a part of a branch is cut off; in that part which remains in connection with the tree a little slit is made, and then a small twig or branch taken from another tree is, at its lower end, shaved thin, wedge-like, and then inserted in the cleft, after which the whole is tied together, clayed round, etc., and the bark unites to bark; and the stock and the scion become thus one tree, the juices of the whole stock circulating through the tubes of the newly-inserted twig; and thus both live, though the branch inserted bears a very different fruit from that which the parent stock bore. I have often performed this operation, and in this very way, with success: and I cannot conceive that the apostle could have chosen a more apt or more elegant metaphor. The Jewish tree does not bring forth proper fruit; but it will answer well to ingraft a proper fruit-bearing tree on. The Gentiles are a wild olive, which is a tree that bears no fruit; but it may be made to bear if grafted on the Jewish stock. Some of the branches were cut off, that the branches of this wild olive might be inserted: the act by which this insertion is made is termed αποτομια, goodness, benignity: the act by which the branches of the original stock are broken off is termed αποτομια, excision; from απο, from, and τεμνω, I cut, still keeping the metaphor taken from engrafting in view. Now, let the apostle's mode of reasoning be observed: the tree is cut down, or its branches lopped off; but the tree is not rooted up. The Jews have stumbled, but not so as to fall irrecoverably; for if they abide not still in unbelief, they shall be grafted in, Rom 11:23. The Gentiles which are grafted in on these cut-off branches, like the scion inserted into another stock, partake of the root, which absorbs from the earth the nutritious juices, and the fatness of the Jewish tree, the blessings and privileges which that people have long enjoyed, in consequence of the Abrahamic covenant, Rom 11:17; the root, the Jewish covenant, bears them: not they the root, Rom 11:18. As, therefore, the continuance of the Gentiles as the Church and people of God depends upon their interest in the Abrahamic covenant, the blessings of which they derive through the medium of the Jews, they should be grateful to God, and tolerant to those through whom they have received such blessings. And as, in the case of grafting, the prosperity of the engrafted scion depends on the existence of the parent stock, so the continuance of the Gentiles in this state of favor, (following the metaphor), in a certain way depends on the continuance of the Jewish people: and they are preserved, as so many scions which are in process of time to be engrafted on the Gentiles; and thus the Gentiles shall become the means of salvation to the Jews, as the Jews have been the means of salvation to the Gentiles. Following, therefore, the metaphor a little farther, which seems to have been so well chosen in all its parts, the continued existence of the Jews as a distinct people, together with the acknowledgment of the Gentiles, that they have derived their salvation and state of blessedness through them - of which Jesus Christ, born of the stock of David, is the author; and the Jewish Scriptures, which the Gentiles receive as inspired by God, are the evidence - then, the restoration of the Jews to the favor of God is a necessary consequence, and indeed seems to be the principal end in reference to which the apostle reasons. The Gentiles, however, are to take care that the restoration of the Jews be not at their expense; as their calling and election were at the expense of the Jews: the latter being cut off, that the former might be grafted in, Rom 11:19. Of this there is no kind of necessity, for the original stock, the Abrahamic covenant, is sufficient to receive them all; and so Jews and Gentiles become one eternal flock, under one Bishop and Shepherd of all their souls.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them that fell, severity--in rejecting the chosen seed. but toward thee, goodness--"God's goodness" is the true reading, that is, His sovereign goodness in admitting thee to a covenant standing who before wert a "stranger to the covenants of promise" (Eph 2:12-20). if thou continue in his goodness--in believing dependence on that pure goodness which made thee what thou art.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Behold therefore the goodness, and severity of God,.... The consideration of both the grace and kindness of God to some, and his severity or strict justice towards others, is recommended by the apostle as very proper to abate pride, vain glory, and haughtiness of spirit; and to engage to humility, fear, care, and caution; on them which fell, severity: the Jews who stumbled at Christ and his Gospel, and fell by unbelief, God in strict justice and righteous judgment not only destroyed, as afterwards their nation, city, and temple, and scattered them abroad in the world to be a reproach, a proverb, a taunt, and a curse in all places; but cast them off as his people, broke his covenant with them, took away his Gospel from them, left them out of a Gospel church state, except a few, and gave up the generality of them to blindness and hardness of heart; so that wrath is come upon them to the uttermost, both with respect to things civil and religious, and they continue as living standing monuments of God's severity and justice, to be beheld by us Gentiles with pity and concern, and to excite in us the fear of God, and caution as to our conduct and behaviour in the world, and in the church: but towards thee, goodness; the Gentiles, who not only share in the goodness and grace of God, displayed in the election of many of them to eternal life, in their redemption by Christ, and the effectual calling of them by the grace of God; but in their church state, they being made fellow citizens with the saints, fellow heirs, and of the same body, and having a place and a name in God's house, better than that of sons and daughters; and therefore under great obligation to fear the Lord, and his goodness, and to walk worthy of the calling wherein they are called, in all humility and lowliness of mind: if thou continue in his goodness; meaning not the love, grace, and free favour of God, or the grace of the Spirit, a continuance in which no "if" is to be put upon; for such who are interested in the love of God always continue in it, and nothing can separate them from it; and such as have the graces of the Spirit implanted in them, as faith, hope, and love, can never lose them; these always remain in them, and they in the possession of them, though not always in the exercise of them; but the goodness of God in a church state is here meant, as the means of grace and comfort, the ministration of the word and ordinances; and the sense is, if thou dost not despise the riches of divine goodness in a church relation, if thou dost not abuse it, or walk unworthy of it, if thou abidest by it, and retainest a value for it, thou wilt still share the advantages of it: otherwise thou also shall be cut off; from the good olive tree, the Gospel church state, into which the Gentiles were taken; and which, with respect to particular persons, may intend the act of excommunication by the church, expressed in Scripture by purging the old leaven, putting away the wicked person, withdrawing from such that are disorderly, and rejecting heretics, that is, from the communion of the church; and with respect to whole bodies and societies, an entire unchurching of them by removing the Gospel, and the ordinances of it; which threatening has been awfully fulfilled in many Gentile churches, in Asia, Africa, and Europe; and therefore may serve to awaken our fear, care, and caution, lest we should be treated in like manner.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
11:22 if you stop trusting, you also will be cut off: Scripture consistently emphasizes that only believers who persevere to the end will be saved. However, Paul’s warning leads to debate over the theological implications of his statement. Some think that it implies that genuine believers can stop believing and therefore not be saved in the end. Others argue that we should not press the metaphor so far and that Paul is referring to people who appear to be believers but whose lack of real faith ultimately reveals itself.
Romans 11:22
The Ingrafting of the Gentiles
21For if God did not spare the natural branches, He will certainly not spare you either.22Take notice, therefore, of the kindness and severity of God: severity to those who fell, but kindness to you, if you continue in His kindness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.23And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Once Saved, Always Saved 1
By Jacob Prasch5.3K1:15:43AssuranceMAT 6:33JHN 3:36ROM 11:22PHP 2:121TI 2:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of active witnessing in the Christian life. He compares not actively witnessing to neglecting other essential aspects of the Christian faith, such as reading the Bible and praying. The speaker uses a metaphor of someone trying to swim across the English Channel but getting overwhelmed by the storm and drowning. In the metaphor, Jesus appears in a helicopter to save the person, but instead of simply rescuing them, Jesus gives them a white jacket and tells them to hold on. The speaker explains that this represents the tension between faith and works, highlighting the need for both trust in Jesus and active obedience in the Christian life. The sermon references the book of Philippians, specifically chapter 2 verse 12, which encourages believers to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, emphasizing the connection between obedience and salvation.
The Rejected Ones
By David Wilkerson3.9K1:08:50ISA 56:1ISA 56:4OBA 1:17ROM 11:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and encourages the congregation to forgive others. He shares a personal story about a dilapidated chicken coop he encountered and felt compelled to help. The preacher also discusses the need for the church to be vigilant and proclaim the coming of the Lord. He highlights a prophetic alarm in the Bible that warns of demonic spirits and the urgency for a message of holiness in the church. The sermon concludes with a message of encouragement from the Holy Spirit.
From Water to Wine - Part 1
By Art Katz3.2K50:16MiracleMAT 16:23JHN 2:1ROM 11:22HEB 12:6In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the miracle of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. The speaker ponders the significance of the six stone pots used for purification, seeing them as a symbol of the incomplete and partial nature of the Jewish law and tradition. The speaker emphasizes the obedience of the servants who followed Jesus' instructions without questioning, highlighting the importance of faith and trust in God's commands. The speaker also draws parallels between the miracle at Cana and the New York call, suggesting that just as the water filled the pots to the brim, the church is called to bring the living water of the gospel to those who have only a limited understanding of salvation.
(Revival) Highlights of Past Revivals - Part 1
By Michael L. Brown3.0K1:05:07RevivalRepentance2KI 22:12CH 7:142CH 14:4PSA 85:6ISA 1:19HAB 3:2MAT 11:28ROM 11:22REV 6:15REV 19:11Michael L. Brown discusses the historical context of biblical revivals, emphasizing the Hebrew concept of 'Chaya,' which means to revive or bring to life. He highlights the story of Habakkuk, who cried out for God's revival amidst sin and judgment, and the significant revival during King Josiah's reign, where the rediscovery of God's law led to a national turning back to righteousness. Brown also reflects on the transformative power of past revivals, such as those led by Charles Finney and David Brainerd, illustrating how genuine encounters with God can lead to societal change and a return to holiness. He stresses the importance of recognizing God's holiness and the need for repentance in the face of sin, urging the church to seek revival in contemporary times.
God Is a Holy God
By Zac Poonen2.2K51:46Holiness Of GodHAB 1:13ROM 11:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the motives behind our actions. He highlights that even acts of fasting, prayer, and helping the poor can be seen as worthless in God's eyes if they lack genuine love. The speaker refers to 1 Corinthians 13 to illustrate this point. He also draws attention to the severity of God, citing an example from Deuteronomy where rebellious children were stoned to death. However, he balances this severity with the kindness of God, exemplified in Genesis where God promises that the seed of the woman will crush the serpent's head. The speaker encourages listeners to carefully consider both the kindness and severity of God throughout their lives.
Ger-05 Israel's Predicament
By Art Katz1.5K1:05:18GermanEXO 12:8ISA 5:25ISA 5:30MAT 6:33ACT 3:22ROM 11:221CO 3:13In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the issue of God's glory and his governance over creation. He shares a personal experience of visiting a plant where F-16 fighter bombers are manufactured and expresses concern over nations spending vast amounts on armaments, even those who can least afford it. The speaker emphasizes the need to understand the severity and goodness of God, as well as the importance of recognizing God's judgments as part of his mercy. He also shares his own journey of experiencing unexpected challenges and being thrust into the world, drawing parallels to Israel's history and the need for repentance.
God's Kindness and Severity
By Erlo Stegen1.1K1:09:54God's KindnessISA 40:4MAT 6:33MAT 7:21LUK 13:3ACT 5:1ROM 11:22REV 2:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the kindness and severity of God. He shares a personal story about an American preacher who asked whether people emphasize the love of God or His wrath. The preacher explains that both aspects exist and cites a biblical reference in Matthew 24 about an evil servant. He then reveals that the American preacher died a terrible death after it was discovered that he had been involved in immoral activities and had criticized other servants of God. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the importance of understanding the compassion and severity of God.
Being Balanced in the Christian Life
By Zac Poonen8941:15:11MRK 13:34ACT 13:2ACT 20:28ROM 11:22EPH 6:4HEB 12:7
This sermon emphasizes the importance of balance in various aspects of the Christian life, highlighting the need for both kindness and severity, individual connection with Christ and submission to church leadership, evangelism and discipleship, and other key areas. It stresses the beauty that comes from maintaining a balanced approach in all areas of life, drawing examples from Scripture to illustrate the significance of finding harmony in different aspects of Christian living.
K-448 Israel's Future Expulsion
By Art Katz83448:27IsraelNUM 14:22ISA 35:4AMO 9:1MAT 6:33ROM 11:22HEB 4:11REV 2:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the insignificance of our worldly accomplishments and knowledge in the eyes of God. He describes a terrifying wilderness where one is stripped of everything and faces the threat of death. The speaker then discusses the concept of exile and expulsion, specifically referring to the last day sifting of Israel through the nations. He raises the question of how to reconcile God's mercy with the harsh consequences faced by those who reject Him, using the example of the Israelites who were unable to enter the promised land due to their disobedience. The speaker calls for a deep understanding and empathy for those who must endure such trials.
The Echo and the Insufficiency of Hell
By John Piper8081:02:22PSA 63:3MAT 6:33LUK 5:1LUK 16:19ROM 11:22In this sermon, the speaker explores the theme of the echo and insufficiency of hell. He explains that hell is an echo of the glory of God's infinite worth and Christ's infinite suffering, as well as an echo of His infinite love. However, the speaker argues that hell cannot produce satisfaction in God, remorse for not having God, gospel repentance, or salvation. Instead, he urges listeners to go beyond the fear of hell and pursue a deep understanding and experience of the glory, love, truth, goodness, wisdom, power, justice, grace, and beauty of God. The sermon references Luke 5:1-10, where Jesus performs a miraculous catch of fish and Peter's response to it.
God Is Light and God Is Love
By Zac Poonen58655:05GEN 3:11GEN 3:15PSA 90:17MAT 5:48MAT 7:21ROM 11:22JAS 1:221JN 1:51JN 4:8
This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the dual nature of God, focusing on His perfect holiness and His perfect love. It delves into the need for believers to have a balanced view of God's character, recognizing His kindness and severity. The message highlights the significance of knowing God personally, seeking to be saved from un-Christlike attitudes and behaviors, and allowing the beauty of the Lord to shine through our lives by aligning with His character.
Refuse to Be Intimidated by the Error of Replacement Theology
By Mike Bickle401:15:20Replacement TheologyIsrael's Role in God's PlanISA 60:1JOL 3:2MAT 21:43ACT 3:19ROM 11:1ROM 11:11ROM 11:18ROM 11:22GAL 3:29REV 12:17Mike Bickle addresses the issue of replacement theology, urging pastors and believers to overcome the intimidation surrounding discussions about Israel's significance in God's plan. He emphasizes that many church leaders have been silenced by historical theological errors and encourages them to embrace the biblical narrative that affirms Israel's ongoing role in God's purposes. Bickle highlights the recent surge in prayer for Israel among Gentile believers as a pivotal moment in church history, calling for a deeper understanding and engagement with the topic. He warns against the dangers of replacement theology, which has led to anti-Semitism and a lack of preparedness in the church for the end times. Ultimately, he calls for unity and love between Gentiles and Jews as part of God's grand design.
Military Invasions in God's End-Time Plan
By Mike Bickle251:07:18Prophetic PreachingEnd TimesDEU 28:64EZK 33:6JOL 2:1HAG 2:6ZEC 14:2LUK 19:43LUK 21:20ACT 20:27ROM 11:22REV 6:4Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of understanding military invasions in God's end-time plan, particularly through the lens of the Babylonian invasion as a foreshadowing of future events. He explains that the terrifying imagery of the Babylonian army serves as a model for the ultimate invasion led by the Antichrist, highlighting the need for spiritual preparedness and a call to repentance among God's people. Bickle stresses the importance of prophetic preaching that creates urgency and awareness of the coming judgment, urging believers to respond with prayer and fasting. He underscores that God is sovereign over all events, using even evil forces to fulfill His divine purposes, and calls for a clear and courageous proclamation of the truth to awaken the church and the nations.
11 the Forerunner Message in Isaiah 32-33
By Mike Bickle241:26:15The Beauty of GodProphetic LeadershipISA 26:9ISA 30:18ISA 32:1ISA 32:9ISA 33:6ISA 33:13ISA 33:20ROM 11:22Mike Bickle emphasizes the prophetic messages in Isaiah 32-33, warning the leaders of Jerusalem about the impending crisis from the Assyrian army. He highlights the importance of recognizing the coming Messiah who will reign in righteousness amidst confusion and complacency. Bickle calls for a response to God's leadership, urging believers to seek understanding and stability in times of upheaval. He stresses the beauty of the King and the necessity of godly leadership to guide others through trials. Ultimately, he encourages the congregation to meditate on both the terror of God's judgments and the beauty of His redemptive plan.
God Is on the Throne
By Zac Poonen0God's SovereigntyHoliness and GraceISA 11:2LUK 21:28JHN 1:14ROM 11:22COL 1:16HEB 12:29REV 4:2REV 21:11Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of viewing earthly events from a heavenly perspective, as illustrated in Revelation 4:2, where John sees God's throne. He encourages believers to lift their heads and recognize that God is in control, especially as we approach the end times. Poonen highlights the duality of God's nature—His holiness and grace—symbolized by the jasper and sardius stones, and the rainbow around the throne. He also discusses the significance of the twenty-four elders and the seven Spirits of God, underscoring God's majesty and the purifying fire of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty and purity in our lives.
Withered Branches
By Andrew Murray0Abiding in ChristSpiritual VitalityPSA 1:3JER 17:7MAT 13:22JHN 15:4JHN 15:6ROM 11:221CO 2:5GAL 5:22HEB 6:42PE 1:10Andrew Murray emphasizes the critical importance of truly abiding in Christ, warning that one can appear connected to Him yet still be cast forth like a withered branch. He identifies various reasons for this state, including a lack of understanding of the Christian calling, worldly distractions, and reliance on human wisdom rather than divine power. Murray calls for self-examination within the church to identify those who may be withering in their faith and urges believers to embrace the necessity of abiding in Christ for spiritual vitality. He encourages a vigilant and prayerful attitude towards maintaining a fresh and fruitful relationship with the Lord, reminding us that true safety lies in our union with Him.
The Goodness and Severity of the Lord
By Mike Bickle0ISA 26:9JER 23:20HAG 2:7ROM 11:222TI 4:3REV 19:7Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of considering both the goodness and severity of God, as exhorted by Paul in Romans 11:22. He urges believers to seek and understand the truths related to God's goodness, such as His mercy, the power of Jesus' blood, and the end-time revival, as well as the truths related to God's severity, including His judgments and redemptive disciplines. Bickle highlights that God's judgments are expressions of His love, aimed at removing hindrances to love, and stresses the need for the Body of Christ to grasp this concept to avoid being offended by God's leadership in the end times.
Day 123, Romans 12
By David Servant0ROM 11:22David Servant emphasizes the importance of understanding the 'therefore' in the Bible, indicating that what follows is based on what was previously said. He urges believers to present themselves as living sacrifices, highlighting the connection between obedience and faith. Paul stresses the significance of each believer's specific function within the body of Christ, emphasizing the need to discover and operate in one's spiritual gifts. Additionally, he underscores the principles of love, humility, and refraining from seeking vengeance, drawing from both Old Testament and New Testament teachings.
A Silly Gospel
By David Servant0MAT 5:45JHN 8:44JHN 16:8ACT 24:25ROM 2:4ROM 11:22EPH 2:1HEB 12:29JAS 2:132PE 3:91JN 3:10David Servant addresses the misconception that God's father-heart extends to all, emphasizing that God is only the Father of those who have repented and believed in Jesus, while others remain spiritually children of Satan. He highlights the danger of idolizing the 'father-heart of God' and neglecting other aspects of God's character, such as His holiness and wrath. Servant challenges the trend of focusing solely on God's love for sinners, stressing the importance of preaching about holiness, judgment, and repentance, even if it is unpopular. He warns against accommodating sinners with a watered-down gospel, advocating for a message that convicts of sin, righteousness, and judgment, as exemplified by Jesus, John the Baptist, and the apostles.
Jesus Claims to Be One With the Father John 10:22-42
By David Servant0JHN 10:28ROM 11:22HEB 3:12David Servant delves into the confrontation between Jesus and the Jewish leaders who sought to trap Him with questions about His identity. Despite their attempts to incriminate Him, Jesus skillfully navigated their inquiries, ultimately claiming to be one with God, leading to accusations of blasphemy. The Jewish leaders, unsatisfied with His response, resorted to violence, highlighting their refusal to acknowledge Jesus' divinity despite His miraculous works and sinless life. Jesus' assertion of being the Son of God and offering eternal life to believers underscores the importance of faith and perseverance in following Him, ensuring salvation and security in God's promises.
We Shall Learn to Sing of Judgment and Mercy.
By Andrew Murray0MercyJudgmentPSA 51:1PSA 85:10ISA 30:18LAM 3:22EZK 5:10EZK 36:27JHN 3:16ROM 11:22HEB 12:61JN 1:9Andrew Murray emphasizes the dual attributes of God's holiness: His righteousness and His love, which are revealed through judgment and mercy. He explains that true knowledge of God comes from understanding His judgment on sin, which leads to deliverance, and His mercy that restores us. Murray points out that revival among God's people is contingent upon yielding to God's judgment in our lives. As we embrace both aspects, we learn to sing of judgment and mercy, recognizing God's complete character. Ultimately, knowing God involves experiencing both His justice and His grace.
Turning the Tide of Lawlessness
By Derek Melton0PSA 9:16PRO 9:10PRO 16:6ROM 11:22Derek Melton emphasizes the importance of the 'fear of the Lord' in combating the darkness and sin prevalent in society, highlighting how fear leads to obedience and ultimately wisdom. He draws parallels between a child's fear of discipline from a father and the fear of God, stressing that even God's severity is rooted in His goodness. Melton urges for a transformation from smiting fear to reverential fear as believers grow in grace and wisdom, emphasizing that lawlessness thrives in the absence of godly fear.
Wicked Men Useful in Their Destruction Only
By Jonathan Edwards0NUM 14:21PRO 11:1EZK 15:2MAT 3:10JHN 15:6ROM 11:22Jonathan Edwards preaches on the importance of bringing forth fruit to God, using the analogy of a vine tree to illustrate how unfruitful individuals are like barren trees that are ultimately useless unless they bear fruit. He emphasizes that man's highest end is to serve and glorify God, and if one fails to do so actively, they will be passively useful only in their destruction. Edwards urges listeners to examine themselves, strive to be actively useful by bringing forth fruit to God, and warns of the consequences of remaining unfruitful, highlighting that God will glorify Himself in the ruin of those who do not fulfill their purpose.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Behold therefore the goodness - The exclamation, Behold the goodness of God! is frequent among the Jewish writers, when they wish to call the attention of men to particular displays of God's mercy, especially towards those who are singularly unworthy. See several instances in Schoettgen. And severity of God - As χρηστοτης, goodness, signifies the essential quality of the Divine nature, the fountain of all good to men and angels, so αποτομια, severity, as it is here translated, signifies that particular exercise of his goodness and holiness which leads him to sever from his mystical body whatsoever would injure, corrupt, or destroy it. The apostle in these verses uses a metaphor taken from engrafting, εγκεντρισις, from the verb εγκεντριζω, from εν, in, and κεντριζω, to puncture, because engrafting was frequently done by making a puncture in the bark of a tree, and then inserting a bud taken from another. This was the practice in the Roman agriculture, as we learn from Virgil, Georg. ii, ver. 73: - Nam qua se medio trudunt de cortice gemmae, Et tenues rumpunt tunicas, angustus in ipso Fit nodo sinus: huc aliena ex arbore germen Includunt, udoque docent inolescere libro. For where the tender rinds of trees disclose Their shooting gems, a swelling knot there grows; Just in that space a narrow slit we make, Then other buds from bearing trees we take; Inserted thus, the wounded rind we close, In whose moist womb the admitted infant grows. Dryden. In all countries the principle is the same, though the mode is various. The apostle, having adopted this metaphor as the best he could find to express that act of God's justice and mercy by which the Jews were rejected, and the Gentiles elected in their stead, and, in order to show that though the Jewish tree was cut down, or its branches lopped off, yet it was not rooted up, he informs the Gentile believers that, as it is customary to insert a good scion in a bad or useless stock, they who were bad, contrary to the custom in such cases, were grafted in a good stock, and their growth and fruitfulness proclaimed the excellence and vegetative life of the stock in which they were inserted. This was the goodness of the heavenly gardener to them; but it was severity, αποτομια, an act of excision to the Jews. The reader will observe that this term belongs to engrafting: often, in this operation, a part of a branch is cut off; in that part which remains in connection with the tree a little slit is made, and then a small twig or branch taken from another tree is, at its lower end, shaved thin, wedge-like, and then inserted in the cleft, after which the whole is tied together, clayed round, etc., and the bark unites to bark; and the stock and the scion become thus one tree, the juices of the whole stock circulating through the tubes of the newly-inserted twig; and thus both live, though the branch inserted bears a very different fruit from that which the parent stock bore. I have often performed this operation, and in this very way, with success: and I cannot conceive that the apostle could have chosen a more apt or more elegant metaphor. The Jewish tree does not bring forth proper fruit; but it will answer well to ingraft a proper fruit-bearing tree on. The Gentiles are a wild olive, which is a tree that bears no fruit; but it may be made to bear if grafted on the Jewish stock. Some of the branches were cut off, that the branches of this wild olive might be inserted: the act by which this insertion is made is termed αποτομια, goodness, benignity: the act by which the branches of the original stock are broken off is termed αποτομια, excision; from απο, from, and τεμνω, I cut, still keeping the metaphor taken from engrafting in view. Now, let the apostle's mode of reasoning be observed: the tree is cut down, or its branches lopped off; but the tree is not rooted up. The Jews have stumbled, but not so as to fall irrecoverably; for if they abide not still in unbelief, they shall be grafted in, Rom 11:23. The Gentiles which are grafted in on these cut-off branches, like the scion inserted into another stock, partake of the root, which absorbs from the earth the nutritious juices, and the fatness of the Jewish tree, the blessings and privileges which that people have long enjoyed, in consequence of the Abrahamic covenant, Rom 11:17; the root, the Jewish covenant, bears them: not they the root, Rom 11:18. As, therefore, the continuance of the Gentiles as the Church and people of God depends upon their interest in the Abrahamic covenant, the blessings of which they derive through the medium of the Jews, they should be grateful to God, and tolerant to those through whom they have received such blessings. And as, in the case of grafting, the prosperity of the engrafted scion depends on the existence of the parent stock, so the continuance of the Gentiles in this state of favor, (following the metaphor), in a certain way depends on the continuance of the Jewish people: and they are preserved, as so many scions which are in process of time to be engrafted on the Gentiles; and thus the Gentiles shall become the means of salvation to the Jews, as the Jews have been the means of salvation to the Gentiles. Following, therefore, the metaphor a little farther, which seems to have been so well chosen in all its parts, the continued existence of the Jews as a distinct people, together with the acknowledgment of the Gentiles, that they have derived their salvation and state of blessedness through them - of which Jesus Christ, born of the stock of David, is the author; and the Jewish Scriptures, which the Gentiles receive as inspired by God, are the evidence - then, the restoration of the Jews to the favor of God is a necessary consequence, and indeed seems to be the principal end in reference to which the apostle reasons. The Gentiles, however, are to take care that the restoration of the Jews be not at their expense; as their calling and election were at the expense of the Jews: the latter being cut off, that the former might be grafted in, Rom 11:19. Of this there is no kind of necessity, for the original stock, the Abrahamic covenant, is sufficient to receive them all; and so Jews and Gentiles become one eternal flock, under one Bishop and Shepherd of all their souls.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them that fell, severity--in rejecting the chosen seed. but toward thee, goodness--"God's goodness" is the true reading, that is, His sovereign goodness in admitting thee to a covenant standing who before wert a "stranger to the covenants of promise" (Eph 2:12-20). if thou continue in his goodness--in believing dependence on that pure goodness which made thee what thou art.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Behold therefore the goodness, and severity of God,.... The consideration of both the grace and kindness of God to some, and his severity or strict justice towards others, is recommended by the apostle as very proper to abate pride, vain glory, and haughtiness of spirit; and to engage to humility, fear, care, and caution; on them which fell, severity: the Jews who stumbled at Christ and his Gospel, and fell by unbelief, God in strict justice and righteous judgment not only destroyed, as afterwards their nation, city, and temple, and scattered them abroad in the world to be a reproach, a proverb, a taunt, and a curse in all places; but cast them off as his people, broke his covenant with them, took away his Gospel from them, left them out of a Gospel church state, except a few, and gave up the generality of them to blindness and hardness of heart; so that wrath is come upon them to the uttermost, both with respect to things civil and religious, and they continue as living standing monuments of God's severity and justice, to be beheld by us Gentiles with pity and concern, and to excite in us the fear of God, and caution as to our conduct and behaviour in the world, and in the church: but towards thee, goodness; the Gentiles, who not only share in the goodness and grace of God, displayed in the election of many of them to eternal life, in their redemption by Christ, and the effectual calling of them by the grace of God; but in their church state, they being made fellow citizens with the saints, fellow heirs, and of the same body, and having a place and a name in God's house, better than that of sons and daughters; and therefore under great obligation to fear the Lord, and his goodness, and to walk worthy of the calling wherein they are called, in all humility and lowliness of mind: if thou continue in his goodness; meaning not the love, grace, and free favour of God, or the grace of the Spirit, a continuance in which no "if" is to be put upon; for such who are interested in the love of God always continue in it, and nothing can separate them from it; and such as have the graces of the Spirit implanted in them, as faith, hope, and love, can never lose them; these always remain in them, and they in the possession of them, though not always in the exercise of them; but the goodness of God in a church state is here meant, as the means of grace and comfort, the ministration of the word and ordinances; and the sense is, if thou dost not despise the riches of divine goodness in a church relation, if thou dost not abuse it, or walk unworthy of it, if thou abidest by it, and retainest a value for it, thou wilt still share the advantages of it: otherwise thou also shall be cut off; from the good olive tree, the Gospel church state, into which the Gentiles were taken; and which, with respect to particular persons, may intend the act of excommunication by the church, expressed in Scripture by purging the old leaven, putting away the wicked person, withdrawing from such that are disorderly, and rejecting heretics, that is, from the communion of the church; and with respect to whole bodies and societies, an entire unchurching of them by removing the Gospel, and the ordinances of it; which threatening has been awfully fulfilled in many Gentile churches, in Asia, Africa, and Europe; and therefore may serve to awaken our fear, care, and caution, lest we should be treated in like manner.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
11:22 if you stop trusting, you also will be cut off: Scripture consistently emphasizes that only believers who persevere to the end will be saved. However, Paul’s warning leads to debate over the theological implications of his statement. Some think that it implies that genuine believers can stop believing and therefore not be saved in the end. Others argue that we should not press the metaphor so far and that Paul is referring to people who appear to be believers but whose lack of real faith ultimately reveals itself.