Decoding Romans: Chapter 11

The Israel Mystery Revealed ~ Jim Staley

In the world of biblical interpretation, Romans Chapter 11 is one of the most frequently debated and misunderstood passages. For centuries, scholars, theologians, and believers alike have grappled with the question: Does this chapter support the idea of Replacement Theology? In this broadcast, it is believed we’ve misread this crucial text. His provocative assertion is that the understanding of the “olive tree” in Romans 11 has been significantly misunderstood, and that if we delve deeper into the Hebrew roots and ancient context of Paul’s message, we might just uncover an unexpected truth.

Understanding Romans 11: The Olive Tree, the Root, and the Branches

Romans 11, particularly the metaphor of the olive tree, has often been used to support the idea of Replacement Theology—the belief that the Church has replaced Israel in God’s promises. According to this view, Israel’s rejection of Jesus led to their rejection by God, and in their place, the Gentile Church now inherits all the promises originally made to Israel.

However, we present a challenge to this widely held interpretation. We urge you to reconsider the passage through the lens of “the front of the book” (the Old Testament), and we argue that Paul’s writings are deeply rooted in the history and prophecies found within the Hebrew scriptures. Paul’s message isn’t about replacing Israel, but rather about restoring a fractured people to their original, unified purpose.

The Historical Context: Israel’s Split and the Role of Judah

To fully appreciate Romans 11, we must first understand the history of Israel. Under King Solomon, the kingdom of Israel was united. However, after Solomon’s reign, Israel split into two kingdoms: the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah). Over time, the Northern Kingdom fell to Assyria (722 BC), and its people were scattered. The Southern Kingdom, consisting of Judah, remained in existence, though they too were eventually taken into captivity in Babylon (586 BC), before returning under the leadership of figures like Nehemiah.

This history is crucial to understanding Paul’s perspective. By the time Paul writes Romans, the Jewish people—referred to as “the House of Judah”—are the only remnants of the once unified nation of Israel. The Northern Kingdom, having been dispersed, no longer exists as a distinct entity. So when Paul talks about Israel in Romans 11, he is primarily addressing the people of Judah, and not the ten lost tribes of the Northern Kingdom.

The Olive Tree: A Powerful Metaphor

In Romans 11, Paul uses the metaphor of an olive tree to illustrate God’s relationship with Israel and the Gentiles. The olive tree is rooted in God’s promises to Israel, and the branches represent the people of Israel. However, some branches have been broken off due to unbelief, and Gentiles—symbolized by wild olive shoots—have been grafted in. While this could be read as the Church replacing Israel, we warn against such an interpretation. Instead, it suggests that the breaking off of the branches represents Israel’s temporary rejection, not a permanent replacement.

This argument hinges on the understanding that God has not rejected Israel permanently. Paul, in fact, asserts in Romans 11:1 that God has not “cast away His people” (Romans 11:1). The olive tree is a reminder that, despite Israel’s stumble, God’s covenant with them remains intact. As Paul writes, Israel’s failure has opened the door for the Gentiles, but their ultimate restoration is still part of God’s plan.

The Importance of Grace, Not Works

One of the key elements of Romans 11 is the discussion of grace versus works. Paul argues that salvation has never been about works—it has always been about God’s grace. Pastor Staley emphasizes this by explaining that even the Torah, which is often seen as a set of works-based laws, was actually a demonstration of God’s grace. The Torah was given to provide Israel with the knowledge of how to live in accordance with God’s will, not as a formula for salvation through works.

This understanding of grace is pivotal because it challenges modern interpretations that emphasize works or law-keeping as the key to righteousness. In both Judaism and Christianity, there is a tendency to become prideful about one’s traditions or works. However, true salvation, according to Paul, is rooted in grace, not human effort.

Election and the Remnant: A Corporate Concept

When Paul refers to the “elect” and the “remnant” in Romans 11, Pastor Staley cautions against applying modern theological concepts like predestination or election in a way that Paul never intended. The election Paul speaks of is not individual but corporate—it refers to the entire nation of Israel, and by extension, all of God’s people who are faithful to His covenant. The remnant that Paul mentions is not a small, elite group of individuals, but rather the faithful people of Israel who have not turned away from God.

This is a crucial point: not all Jews are part of this remnant, just as not all Christians are truly following God’s will. Both Judaism and Christianity, have their own “remnants”—those who remain faithful to God’s commands despite the larger group’s failures.

The Covenant: What Does It Really Mean?

A critical issue in Romans 11 is the question of God’s covenant with Israel. In Jeremiah 31:31, God promises a new covenant with the House of Israel and the House of Judah, a covenant that will be written on their hearts. This is a powerful promise that, according to Pastor Staley, has not been nullified by the coming of Christ. In fact, the new covenant was always part of God’s plan to restore Israel and bring the Gentiles into the fold.

The issue that Replacement Theology fails to address, is that the “new covenant” is with Israel, not the Gentiles. This, however, does not mean that Gentiles are excluded from God’s promises. Rather, they are grafted into the olive tree, becoming part of the same covenant that God made with Israel.

Romans 11 Is Not About Replacing Israel

So, what does Romans 11 really teach us? It teaches us that Israel’s stumble was not a permanent fall. Rather, it opened the door for the Gentiles, but God’s ultimate plan is to restore Israel. The olive tree metaphor, is not about the Gentiles replacing Israel, but about the Gentiles being grafted into the same promises that God made to Israel.

This is not a story of rejection, but one of restoration and inclusion. The covenant remains intact, and God’s promises to Israel are sure. The Church, rather than replacing Israel, is invited to share in the blessings of the covenant that God made with His people, Israel.

Understanding this profound truth can radically change how we view the relationship between Israel and the Church, urging believers to embrace a more holistic, biblically faithful understanding of God’s eternal plan.

The concept of the “fullness of the Gentiles” mentioned in Romans 11:25 is absolutely critical to understanding what Paul is conveying. As we see from the passage, this isn’t referring to Gentiles as we think of them today, but to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, often referred to as Ephraim, who was scattered among the nations after they were exiled. They became “Gentiles” in the sense that they were no longer part of the covenant people, and through their descendants, they lost the knowledge of their identity as part of Israel. Paul’s statement that blindness has happened in part to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in is essentially saying that God allowed a period where the Northern Kingdom (Ephraim) would be “lost” to the world. This blindness or separation is temporary, and once this period ends, God will restore them to the covenant.

This mystery that Paul speaks of is about the reunification of Israel—the regathering of the Jewish people and the lost tribes of Israel (which include Ephraim) into a single, restored Israel. This is a key part of the eschatological framework Paul is presenting. The return of the “fullness of the Gentiles” is not the end of the Gentiles in the sense we might assume, but rather it is about the lost tribes of Israel, who were scattered and became assimilated as Gentiles, returning to their rightful place within the people of God.

Paul reminds us that the ultimate goal is for the deliverer to come out of Zion, to bring salvation, and turn away ungodliness from Jacob (the house of Israel). This deliverance and covenant restoration will be a monumental event that unites all the scattered tribes of Israel, both Jew and Gentile, under the banner of the Messiah. God’s covenant is about the restoration of all of Israel, including those who have been lost in the nations, who are spiritually blind at this point in time.

Now, verse 26 gives us this incredible statement, “all Israel will be saved.” Many misunderstand this to mean that every single Jew, in a literal sense, will be saved. However, as we discussed earlier, salvation here is about the corporate restoration of Israel, not necessarily the salvation of every single individual in the nation. The corporate body of Israel, the nation as a whole, will be restored to covenant with God, and that is the mystery Paul speaks of. It’s the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—that God would restore them, redeem them, and bring them back into the land.

Inclusion of the Gentiles

As Paul continues, he makes it clear that this is not just a matter of some individuals coming to faith, but rather the entire people being saved—those who had been broken off because of unbelief, but who will be grafted back in. The inclusion of the Gentiles (the wild olive branches) into the tree of Israel (the cultivated olive tree) is a beautiful picture of the grafting process. Just as the Gentiles have been included, so too will the natural branches—those who are part of the original tree of Israel—be grafted back in.

This highlights the unity of both Jews and Gentiles in the body of Messiah. No one is superior; no one should boast against the other. It’s about humility, understanding that we are all partakers of the same root, the same covenant, and ultimately the same salvation. God’s grace, His covenant, and His promises are available to all who believe in Messiah, regardless of their heritage.

The warning Paul gives about not boasting is essential. We must not allow pride to creep in, especially when we understand how dependent we are on God’s grace. Just as the natural branches (Israel) were cut off for their unbelief, we too, as Gentiles grafted in, must be careful not to take God’s grace for granted. We must continue in humility and in the faith, recognizing that it is God’s mercy and grace that allows us to be part of His covenant family.

In closing, Paul’s message in Romans 11 is one of restoration, reconciliation, and humility. It’s a reminder that the story of salvation is far broader than we often realize. It includes not just individual salvation but the corporate salvation of Israel—both Jew and Gentile—brought together under the Messiah, who is the root and foundation of it all. Our role is to remain faithful, humble, and rooted in the truth of God’s word, continuing to walk in the grace He has given us.

So, when we look at the entire picture Paul paints, we see that it’s not about division or replacement, but about a beautiful restoration of God’s people. The olive tree, the root, the branches—all of these images show us the unity that God desires among His people, regardless of their background or ethnicity. Whether Jew or Gentile, we are all grafted into the same tree, sustained by the same root—Messiah, the hope of Israel and the world.

Why? Because Ephraim was the northern tribe that led the entire house of Israel into idolatry. They built false idol worship centers in Bethel and Dan, with Dan also being known for its idolatry. This is likely why the tribe of Dan is not part of the 12 tribes in the end times. The situation with Ephraim is not favorable, my friends. Though the entire northern kingdom of Israel was referred to as the house of Ephraim, Ephraim itself does not make it because they become like Gentiles, outside of the covenant.

Who Are the Gentiles?

Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for: who exactly are these Gentiles? When Paul talks about the Gentiles, the term Gentile (or goy, in singular, and goyim, in plural) in Hebrew refers to “the nations,” which by default means they are outside of the covenant. If you’re in covenant with God, you’re called Israel; if you’re out of covenant, you’re a Gentile. It’s that simple, right? When Paul is going around, he first brings the gospel to the Jews in the synagogues, then to the Gentiles in the area.

It’s fascinating to note that these are not just pagan Gentiles. Paul, a very smart man, goes directly to his Jewish counterparts, the house of Judah, in the synagogues. Then, he goes to the Gentiles who were once part of the covenant—specifically, the house of Israel, the ten northern tribes, who became Gentiles. Let me show you what this looks like in Scripture.

Amos and Hosea: The House of Israel Among the Nations

Let’s turn to Amos 9:9, which says: “For surely I will command and sift the house of Israel among the nations, as grain is sifted in a sieve; yet not the smallest grain shall fall to the ground.”

This prophecy indicates that the house of Israel, which was divorced and scattered among the nations, would be sifted out from among the Gentiles and called back by faith. This is why the house of Israel, once scattered, would return to covenant.

In Hosea 7:8, it says: “Ephraim has mixed himself among the peoples;
Ephraim is a cake unturned.”
Ephraim, referring to the northern kingdom of Israel, is described as mixing with the nations. Later, in Hosea 8:8, it says:
“Israel is swallowed up; now they are among the Gentiles,
like a vessel in which there is no pleasure.”

Over and over again, we see the northern kingdom of Israel—referred to as Ephraim—becoming like Gentiles.

The Olive Tree: Cultivated vs. Wild

Now let’s look at the difference between a cultivated olive tree and a wild olive tree.
A cultivated olive tree is carefully nurtured. Its branches are strong and well-formed, producing large, high-quality olives. It requires pruning, watering, and care. The Bible tells us that God prunes us for maximum fruitfulness. If you’re going through trials and tribulations, that means you’re being cultivated by God, who is working in your life. So, if you’re going through a hard time, thank God for pruning you and nurturing your growth. Sometimes, God waters us through trials to help our roots grow deeper in Christ.

On the other hand, the wild olive tree grows randomly, twisted, and often thorny. People who are like wild olive trees may live according to their own desires, compromise their values, and resist authority. They often live a double life—pretending to be one thing on Sunday but living differently throughout the week. They can be difficult to deal with and produce small, inferior olives. Their roots are shallow, and they lack the strength needed to stand firm. These people may refuse to be pruned and may blame God when things go wrong.

The Term “Christian”

Now, let’s address the term Christian. If you are a believer in Christ, you are part of Israel. The term “Christian” isn’t biblical in the sense we might think of it today, and it won’t be used in the Kingdom. The Bible refers to believers in Christ as part of Israel. As we return to our roots, back to the Jewish foundation of our faith, we can fully embrace our identity in Christ, connected to Israel and the promises given to it.

Paul’s Mission: The Return of the Lost Sheep of Israel

The amazing part of this story is that Paul was going out to find those of the diaspora, the northern kingdom of Israel, who had become Gentiles. He was bringing them the good news: though their ancestors had been divorced and scattered, they could now return to covenant through faith in Jesus (Yeshua). Paul explains this beautifully by pointing to the law in Deuteronomy 24: if a husband dies, the wife is free to remarry. Yeshua, the husband of Israel, died to free His bride, Israel, from the law of adultery. Then, He rose from the dead as an eligible bachelor, inviting Israel to return to covenant with Him.

As these Israelite Gentiles begin to come back to their covenant heritage, they’re joined by their friends—pagan Gentiles—who also come into the fold, just like the mixed multitude that joined Israel when they left Egypt. God said in Exodus 12:49 that there would be one law for both the native-born and the sojourner, and that’s exactly what was happening in the first century.

Salvation for All Israel

As we look at Romans 11:26-27, it says:

“And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: The deliverer will come from Zion; He will turn godlessness away from Jacob. And this is My covenant with them when I take away their sins.”

This prophecy is not about every individual Jew becoming saved, but rather about the entire nation of Israel being restored to covenant with God—both the house of Judah and the house of Israel, along with Gentiles. This is the fulfillment of the “one new man” in Ephesians 2:15 and the prophecy of the two sticks in Ezekiel 37:16-19 coming together in the hands of the Messiah.

The Story of Israel: From Genesis to Revelation

The entire story of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is about Israel. Even in the Sermon on the Mount, there are 12 baskets of food left over, symbolizing God’s provision for His people. The gospel invitation is extended to all nations, just as the Israelites took the message to the nations in the past. In the end, there will be a great reunion of Israel—both the house of Judah and the house of Israel—along with the Gentiles grafted in.

A Call to Return to Our Roots

As we conclude, we must remember that the gospel is not just about salvation for individuals. It’s about the restoration of Israel as a whole, and the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham. This is why we need to return to God’s commandments, including the observance of the Sabbath and the feast days. These things point to Christ and should not be ignored.

Final Thoughts

God’s wisdom and knowledge are unsearchable. His plan for the salvation of the world is far greater than we can imagine, and it involves the reunification of Israel with the nations.

We are not Gentiles; we are part of Israel, grafted into the tree of life.

The time has come for us to embrace our true identity and walk in the fullness of our calling.

So, let’s stop living like children. Let’s embrace the fullness of God’s plan for Israel. Let’s return to our roots in Yeshua, the Messiah. Only then will we fully understand the depth of God’s love and the riches of His wisdom.

Amen.

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