I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers, so that you will not become wise [in] your own estimation: a hardening has come upon Israel in part, until the full number of the Gentiles comes in, 26 and thus all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The deliverer will come out of Zion, he will turn away godlessness from Jacob; 27 and this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” 28 In respect to the gospel, they are enemies on your account; but in respect to election, they are beloved because of the patriarchs. 29 For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.
Paul warned the Gentile converts not to be filled with pride and overconfidence because Israel for the present time has been excluded from salvation. Some of the Israelites have not accepted the Gospel message but Israel’s conversion will follow the Gentiles’ conversion and they will be fully included. Paul quoted Isaiah to explain that Israel will be saved through Christ and Isaiah’s prophecy that Israel will be delivered from their sins will be fulfilled (Is. 59:20-21). Paul believed that the deliverer that would come out of Zion was a reference to Christ the Messiah.
An essential part of the covenant is the forgiveness of sins for both the Gentiles and Israel. Paul told the Gentiles that Israel’s deliverance would be a mystery and done in God’s way and God’s time. The Jews who have rejected the Gospel might be viewed as opponents, but they are still beloved by God because of the covenant God made with the Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God is faithful to his covenants even though Israel has temporarily rejected the Gospel.
Almighty God, you have partially revealed the mystery of salvation to us through your Son. Help us to be humble, faithful, and steadfast as we await the mysterious unfolding of your plans and the fulfillment of your promises. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
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References
Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States, Prentice Hall, 1990.
Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States, Prentice Hall, 1990.
Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
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