 |  |
(7)
There was no doubt that God was God of the Jews (Rom. 3: 29).
(8)
To the Israelites pertained the adoption, glory, covenants, giving of the law, service of
God, promises, fathers, and, as concerning the flesh, Christ, Who is over all, God
blessed for ever" (Rom. 9: 4, 5).
(9)
"Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated" (Rom. 9: 13).
(10)
Israel is likened to the olive; the believing Gentile to a wild olive (Rom. 11: 17-24).
(11)
All Israel shall be saved, for though, as concerning the gospel, they are enemies, yet,
touching the election they are beloved for the fathers' sakes (Rom. 11: 26-28).
These eleven passages, all from one epistle, and containing, as they do, over
twenty-five points of distinction, provide overwhelming evidence as to the place
occupied by Israel during the period covered by the Acts.
All this, of course, the Apostle has in mind as he approaches this next section of the
epistle. He grants that the earthly ministry of the Lord Jesus was exclusively to Israel,
but argues that the Gentile was always in view, because of Israel's peculiar calling. He
then turns to his own special calling as a minister of Jesus Christ among the Gentiles, and
proceeds to plead for the recognition of these Gentiles by the Jewish section of the
Church. The extraordinary fact emerges, that those whose offering up was acceptable to
God (Rom. 15: 16), were not acceptable to man (Rom. 15: 30, 31). Such is religious
human nature!
This note of "acceptance" punctuates the structure of the whole section, and as it is
important that this should be seen, we set out the complete structure below.
15: 8 - 16: 23.
A1 | 15: 8-15. THE MINISTRY OF CIRCUMCISION
DOES NOT EXCLUDE GENTILES.
a1 | 8-9. Acceptance. |
a | Diakonos. Jesus Christ a minister of the circumcision.
b | For the truth of God.
c | To confirm promises made unto the fathers.
d | And that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy.
b1 | 9-12. As it is written. Scripture speaks of fellowship. |
Confess among Gentiles.
Rejoice with His people, ye Gentiles.
Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles.
To reign over the Gentiles.
In Him shall the Gentiles hope.
c1 | 13. NOW THE GOD OF HOPE.--No division here.
d1 | 13-15. Evidences of Gentile blessing. |
Fill you with all joy and peace.
Full of goodness.
Filled with knowledge.
A2 | 15: 16-33. THE MINISTRY OF PAUL.
GENTILES ACCEPTABLE TO GOD.
a2 | 16-18. Acceptance. |
a | Paul a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles.