What does Romans 11:20 mean?

Explanation

Romans 11:20 serves as a warning and a reminder to believers about the importance of humility and the danger of pride in the life of faith.

The verse directly references the preceding context, where Paul discusses the metaphor of an olive tree, representing God's people.

The "broken off" branches refer to some of the Jewish people who have not accepted Christ, and consequently, are no longer part of the spiritual tree of Israel.

The Gentile believers, symbolized by the wild olive branches grafted in place of the broken ones, stand by their faith in Jesus.

However, this standing is not a cause for arrogance or self-righteousness.

Paul admonishes the Gentile believers not to be "highminded" (proud) but to carry a sense of reverence and fear towards God.

This fear is not one that implies terror but a recognition of God's divine authority and the seriousness of remaining faithful to Him.

Historical Context

The Epistle to the Romans was written by the Apostle Paul around AD 56-58.

This letter addresses various churches in Rome, comprising both Jewish and Gentile Christians.

The historical setting is characterized by tensions between these two groups, as they come from different cultural and religious backgrounds.

Jewish Christians might have struggled with the inclusion of the Gentiles into what they considered their own covenant with God, while the Gentiles could have developed a sense of superiority due to Israel's rejection of Jesus as the Messiah.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this passage reflects the doctrine of the remnant in Israel, which maintains that even though the nation as a whole may reject the message of the gospel, there will always be a faithful remnant.

Moreover, the reference to "faith" illustrates the Protestant understanding of Sola Fide, the idea that faith alone is the basis of the believer's standing before God.

The concept of fear in this verse may also be understood in light of the Calvinist perspective, where the perseverance of the saints and the assurance of salvation are tempered by a sober recognition of God's majesty and human fallibility.

From a Wesleyan-Arminian view, the verse would underscore the conditional nature of the believer's relationship with God, which can be severed by unbelief and pride.

Practical Applications

The instruction in Romans 11:20 is highly relevant for believers today.

It teaches Christians to resist complacency and spiritual pride.

Since faith is a gift and not the result of human effort, believers are encouraged to remain humble, thankful, and dependent on God.

It also serves as a caution against judging others, reminding the faithful that they are not inherently better than those outside the faith.

Cross-References

• Romans 11:18: "Boast not against the branches.

But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee."

• Romans 12:3: "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith."
• 1 Corinthians 10:12: "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."
• 2 Corinthians 5:7: "(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)"

Language Study

• "Unbelief": The Greek word for unbelief here is "apistia", suggesting a lack of faith or trust in God.
• "Broken off": Derived from the Greek "ekklao", indicating to break off or cut off, typically used in agricultural contexts.
• "Standest": "Histemi" in Greek, which means to stand or continue in a particular state or place.
• "Faith": Rooted in the Greek "pistis", commonly referred to as belief, trust, or confidence in someone or something, especially in God.
• "Highminded": From the Greek "hupselophroneo", signifying an elevated opinion of oneself, prone to conceit.
• "Fear": The word used here is "phobos", often indicating fear, respect, or reverence.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader religious landscape of antiquity, humility before the gods was a common virtue in various cultures.

Greek and Roman myths often warned against hubris, the excessive pride that would lead to punishment by the gods.

In this Biblical context, the value of humility is also key, especially considering that within the Jewish tradition, pride was seen as something that could separate a person from God (e.g., Proverbs 16:5).

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse doesn't directly intersect with scientific perspectives, the broader topic of belief and unbelief could lead to discussions on psychology and sociology.

The concept of faith and its effects on human behavior is of interest in psychology, while sociology may consider the role of religious groups within a society and the dynamics of inclusion and exclusion.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars offer various perspectives on this verse.

John Stott comments on the importance of humility for the continued inclusion of the Gentile believers in the true Israel.

F.F.

Bruce speaks on the historical concern of Paul, that Gentile converts might develop a sense of superiority over the Jews, thus losing sight of their dependence on God's grace.

Matthew Henry reflects on Paul's intent to curb any disdain that the Gentile Christians might develop against the Jews, emphasizing the conditional nature of their position in the olive tree metaphor.