What does Romans 11:14 mean?

Explanation

Romans 11:14 is a verse in which the Apostle Paul expresses his hope that by his ministry, non-believing Jews might become envious of the Gentiles who have accepted Christ and, as a result, be motivated to seek salvation as well.

Here, Paul refers to the Jews as "them which are my flesh," indicating his racial and religious kinship with them.

The expression “provoke to emulation” means to stir up a desire in the Jewish people to obtain the blessings that the Gentiles were receiving through faith in Jesus Christ.

Paul’s ultimate goal is the salvation of some of his fellow Jews, despite their initial rejection of the Gospel.

Historical Context

Paul wrote the Epistle to the Romans in the mid-first century, possibly around 57 A.D.

The letter addresses both Gentile and Jewish Christian audiences in Rome.

The Jews had experienced expulsion from Rome under Emperor Claudius and upon their return, they faced a church that had developed in their absence with a predominantly Gentile character.

There were tensions between Jewish Christians who upheld the Mosaic Law and Gentiles who did not.

In this context, Paul was concerned about the salvation of Israel and sought ways to bridge the divide between Jewish and Gentile Christians.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Romans 11:14 touches on a few concepts:

• The partial hardening of Israel: Paul discusses the idea that a part of Israel has been hardened, but this does not equate to their permanent rejection.
• Salvation is open to all: This verse supports the notion that salvation through Jesus Christ is not confined to a specific race or ethnicity.
• The use of 'jealousy': The concept of provoking to 'jealousy' is a tactical approach where the salvation of the Gentiles serves as an example to unsaved Jews.

Theologians have various interpretations of Paul's strategies and whether they endorse the emulation of positive qualities or more strategic evangelism approaches.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of Romans 11:14 might include:

• Encouragement for believers to live out their faith in a way that inspires others to seek God.
• The importance of a heart for the salvation of others, even those who may initially reject the Gospel.
• The use of lifestyle evangelism, where actions and blessings received from God can serve as a witness to non-believers.

Cross-References

• Romans 10:19: "But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you."
• Romans 11:11: "I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy."
• 1 Corinthians 9:22: "To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some."

Language Study

• "Provoke to emulation" (Greek: παραζηλόω, parazēloō): to incite to jealousy or to cause to emulate, with a goal to inspire or compel someone to achieve a similar state.
• "Flesh" (Greek: σάρκα, sarx): used here to mean kinship or people of the same racial stock, referring to fellow Jews.
• "Save" (Greek: σῴζω, sōzō): to deliver or protect, often referring to spiritual salvation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons could be drawn between this strategy of Paul and similar methods in other religious traditions that seek to inspire conversion or renewed zeal through showcasing the joy and blessings of the faithful.

In the Greco-Roman world, there were many mystery religions that also grew through the allure of their perceived benefits and the sense of belonging they offered, which might parallel the 'jealousy' tactic mentioned by Paul.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse does not have direct scientific correlations, as it deals with religious evangelism and human psychology.

However, the concept of 'provoking to emulation' might be examined through the lens of social psychology or behavioral science, looking at how behaviors and beliefs spread through communities and how social influence operates.

Commentaries

Commentators have varied takes on Romans 11:14:

• John Calvin notes that Paul's zealousness for his fellow Jews emerges here, as he seeks their salvation with all the means at his disposal, employing the success of the Gentiles as a spur.
• The NIV Study Bible comments on the irony that the Gentiles who were not seeking righteousness have found it, potentially provoking Jews to seek a righteousness that is by faith.
• The ESV Study Bible indicates that Paul hopes the Gentiles' reception of the gospel will make Israel eager to believe in Christ as well.
• Matthew Henry's Commentary highlights the duty of the Christian to seek by all honest methods to awaken sinners and bring them to repentance.