 | Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off. |
 | Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. |
 | Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God's kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off. |
| Romans 11:22 |
Commentary
consider the goodness and severity. All of God's attributes work in harmony; there is no conflict between His goodness and love, and His justice and wrath. Those who accept His gracious offer of salvation experience His goodness (2:4); those who reject it experience His severity (2:5).
those who fell. The unbelieving Jews described in vv. 12-21. "Fell" translates a Gr. word meaning "to fall so as to be completely ruined." Those who reject God's offer of salvation bring upon themselves utter spiritual ruin.
if you continue. Genuine saving faith always perseveres (cf. John 8:31; 15:5, 6; Col. 1:22, 23; Heb. 3:12-14; 4:11; 1 John 2:19).
cut off. From the same Gr. root word translated "severity" earlier in the verse. God will deal swiftly and severely with those who reject Him.
MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Ro 11:22). Nashville: Word Pub.
The Jews' rejection of the gospel amazingly resulted in its being extended more quickly to the Gentiles. The 1st-century missionaries proclaimed the gospel to the Jews first as recorded in the Book of Acts. When the Jews rejected the message, the Christians turned to the Gentile audience (see Acts 13:46). Nevertheless, Paul had not given up on the Jews. Paul employed the imagery of an olive tree to warn the Gentiles against boasting about their new status (Rom. 11:17-24). The unbelieving Jews are the natural branches that have been cut from God's olive tree. The Gentile believers are only wild olive branches that have been grafted in. How much more easily can the natural branches again be grafted into the tree when Jews respond in faith (vv. 23, 24)!
Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (Ro 11:11). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.