1 Peter 3

Posted on February 24, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Friday, Feb. 24: 1 Peter 3

Sorry I’m a little late in posting the comments for today’s reading. Got in late from Honduras last night and I’ve been running around all day trying to get some things done! But I’ve been looking forward to this and now I finally have a free moment to post.

I think it’s important to remember Peter’s comment in 2.25 as we read through the rest of this letter: “For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” Peter sees submission to Christ as the most formative experience of life. This was certainly true in Peter’s life. When he first meets Jesus, Simon is a sweaty, swearing fisherman, a man’s man who goes his own way. But he meets Jesus and everything changes: his livelihood, his purpose, even his own name. In one of his final encounters with Jesus on earth, the Lord tells Peter, in John 21:18-19:

“I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

I doubt Peter ever forgot these words. He understands that his entire life is meant to be lived in submission to Christ. Even his death — being dressed and led by another — is an outward demonstration of his interior submission of spirit.

This is helpful context for Peter’s teaching on husbands and wives. Wives are instructed to live in submission to their husbands (v1), full of inner beauty (v4). Peter refers to Sarah, a woman known for her physical beauty (Gen. 12.11). Yet, Peter praises her for her interior qualities, specifically her submission to Abraham. Peter implores Christian wives to strive to be Sarah’s daughters by doing what is right and refusing to give way to fear (v6).

In the same way, husbands are to deal respectfully and graciously with their wives (v7). This is reminiscent of Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 5 and his contextual framework for the Christian home: “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ,” (Eph. 5.21). Though husbands are to exercise spiritual leadership in the home and in the church, this occurs under the broader umbrella of submission to the Chief Shepherd.

The second half of chapter 3, though more general in focus, teases out the same thought. Living in harmony with one another; loving as brothers in compassion and humility; repaying evil with blessing — these are all qualities becoming of Christ’s flock. A key verse is v15: “But in your hearts, set apart Christ as Lord.” The Greek word for “set apart” here is “hagiazo” — make holy. As Peter has reminded us, our call as followers of Christ is to be holy as God is holy (1 Peter 1.16). But this isn’t achieved through moral perfection on our part. Rather, it occurs in the context of a life of constant affirmation of Christ’s lordship. As Christians, our standard of life should prompt questions. “Why do you live the way you do? Why is your speech different than those around you? Why do you live with such compassion and humility?” To these questions, we stand ready to give an answer (1 Peter 3.15). This is part of the “set apart” life.

Peter closes with more theological reflection on suffering and salvation. The people of God have always wrestled with questions of theodicy and Peter makes no attempt to explain other than to encourage believers to persevere. “It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil,” (3.17). He rightfully points out that the Chief Shepherd suffered for doing good, leading to our salvation. This salvation is mediated to the believer through baptism (3.21, “which now saves you also”) and culminates in the promise of resurrection.

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1 Peter 2

Posted on February 23, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Thursday, Feb. 23: 1 Peter 2

V2 alludes to one of my favorite refrains from the Psalms: “Taste and see that the Lord is good,” (Psalm 34.8). Peter reminds us that if we have indeed tasted the goodness of God, we should willingly put away bitter tasting indulgences such as malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy and slander (2.1).

In verse 9, Peter gives us one of the most beautifully descriptions of the people of God in the Scriptures: “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.” In the ancient world, priests were mediators of the divine, showing the world what their god looked like. Under God’s New Covenant with humanity, He calls for Himself a kingdom of priests to bear witness to his holiness. The church is identified as God’s “new” chosen people — a people who were once alienated FROM God who now live as aliens and strangers FOR God (2.11).

Toward the end of chapter 2, Peter turns to a familiar theme: the role of submission in the life of the believer. He begins with an exhortation to “be subject” or “submit to every authority instituted among men,” (2.13), a point we covered in our discussion of Romans 13 last week. V15 reminds us that we can overcome the “ignorant talk of foolish men” by simply doing good. In freedom, we should strive to show proper respect to others, loving our brothers in Christ, fearing God, and honoring our governing authorities (2.17).

The submissive example of Christ is held up for us in v21, “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” As in all things, Jesus demonstrates the ultimate example of submission, even to the point of suffering. As He prays in the Garden, “Father, not my will but yours be done.” I believe our lives are determined by whether or not we’re able to pray that same prayer. Will I submit myself to God and His will for my life? Or will I continue to go my own way?

Peter closes this chapter by referring back to Isaiah 53, both in the reference in v22 (“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth,” Isa. 53.9) and in v24 (“…by his wounds you have been healed,” Isa. 53.5). With each of these references, Peter reminds us of the atoning sacrifice of Christ — the ultimate demonstration of submission to the will of God. This submissive spirit and subsequent death qualifies Jesus to be the “Shepherd and Overseer of your souls,” (1 Peter 2.25).

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1 Peter 1

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Wednesday, Feb. 22: 1 Peter 1

Today we start a new study of 1 Peter that will take us into next week. Peter seems to be writing to encourage Christians who are discouraged by their suffering. He emphasizes the “living hope” (1.3) believers enjoy, demonstrated most fully through the resurrection of Jesus.

Peter begins by addressing his letter to “those who are elect exiles of the dispersion” — other translations use the words “strangers”, “foreigners”, and “sojourners.” But each of these words positions God’s people in transit, journeying toward a final destination: “eternal glory in Christ” (5.10). Until then, Peter envisions the church as an outpost of God’s Kingdom in the present.

Verse 2 gives us a glimpse at the early chuch’s Trinitarian views as God the Father, the Spirit, and Jesus Christ are all grouped collectively in Peter’s introduction.

Verses 3-12 comprise one long sentence in the Greek manuscripts. The key theme is the power of resurrection inheritance as motivation for Christian endurance. Peter identifies our inheritance as “imperishable, undefiled, and unfading” (1.4). It pains us when family heirlooms rust or become broken. But the inheritance we enjoy in Christ is imperishable, just as the source of our hope is alive today.

Verses 6-7 have been particularly important to me over the years. After my mother passed away my Junior year of high school, I struggled with doubt and anger. I went through a period of severely questioning God: His character, His love, even His existence. But Peter’s teaching in these verses helped me understand the role trials can play in testing our faith. When we persevere through difficult circumstances, Peter says our faith is proved genuine and results in “praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ,” (1.7). Peter is VERY interested in our perseverance in the face of trying circumstances.

Finally, Peter closes the last half of this chapter with a call to holiness. Quoting Leviticus 11 & 19, Peter applies God’s command, “Be holy as I am holy,” to the church in her exiled condition. God’s standards have been constant: God has always desired a people to embody His covenantal faithfulness. And yet, sin stands in the way of our obedience, necessitating atonement in the form of “the precious blood of Christ” (1.19). Now, our souls may be purified through obedience to the truth (1.22). As Peter says, “this word is the good news that was preached to you,” (1.25).

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Romans 16: Jon Stacy

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Jason

As I said yesterday, I’m sending this week in Santa Rosa de Copan, Honduras. I’ve asked my friend Jon to write a guest commentary for today’s Bible study on Romans 16. I know you’ll be blessed by reading his thoughts.

We left Huntsville, AL, but more significantly our church home at Mayfair, on September 25, 2011 and headed for the unknown in Santa Rosa de Copán. Before we left we had a time to be able to speak to the teens as a group and to the church as a whole and acknowledge those who have loved us and have let us love them, those who have cried with us and those whom we have cried with. We were able to speak to the teens, not only as Huddle Leaders and a deacon, but as friends and co-heirs in the promises of God. We were able to tell them how much we loved them and how much they have changed our lives and our children’s lives.  We have been here for 4 1/2 months and in some ways it seems like we got here last weekend and in some ways it seems like it’s been 4 1/2 years.

We spent 9 years at Mayfair working alongside our brothers and sisters there. I vividly remember, and all ways will, the Sunday we announced to the church that we were heading to the mission field and were greeted and hugged on by so many who wanted to encourage us. I wonder what it will look like here when the time comes to return to the states. Who will I be able to acknowledge as my friends? Who will I be able to say was there for me, sustained me with prayer, encouraged me with words or just by their presence? Who will God place in my life that will make it a rich and full life? Who has God placed in your life? Will that person find out in a letter after your life is over? How much richer will your life be if you would be able to say to them – Thank you for being there when … or I was able to get up the next and keep on living because you…? How blest would your children be to know of these friends?

In the last part of this chapter Paul has some words of encouragement and words of warning. I spoke with the teens before we left and I was able to speak to them as one who loved and cared for their souls. I shared some things from my life and challenged them to change those similar things that I saw in their lives. I was able to encourage them with these words “God doesn’t call the qualified, God qualifies the called.” What will I say to my brothers and sisters here? What would I say to Rene or Jorge, these men, these these pillars of faith in the church here in Santa Rosa. Will I echo Paul’s sentiments in Ch. 15 v. 13-14? What will I say to the teens that we work with here; these teens in which I see so many characteristics of the teens at Mayfair? I pray that I will be able to leave here encouraging mature active brothers and sisters. I pray that I can write to them and say what Paul says “Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you;”

Paul spends his closing remarks to the saints in Rome by acknowledging those who have sustained, helped, lifted him up in prayer, and labored alongside him. He closes with warnings and admonishments of love and faith in Jesus Christ. At first glance this chapter seems to be lumped in with the chapters that contain lists of genealogies or lists of items needed to construct the temple. Basically not a very interesting chapter, but it is and it is a rich chapter because in it Paul praises and acknowledges those who have sustained him through all of his trials. We would all be so lucky to have a list like Paul’s. We would all be so blest to be able to rejoice with the brothers and sisters that labor with us in the vineyard of the Lord when we hear of their obedience to Christ. We are blessed and we do have this list if we would just take a little time to realize just how richly God has blest our lives.

To the saints at Mayfair, “The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you, to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen!”

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Romans 15

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Jason
Reading for Monday, Feb. 20: Romans 15
Verse 5 serves as a perfect summary of chapters 14&15: “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus…”. Verse 7 fleshes out this “spirit of unity” more clearly: “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you.” As we’ve said a few times in our study, Paul is writing to a church struggling with living together as one body. How do we reconcile our differences as Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians? How do we sort out the issue of eating food sacrificed to idols? What about the group that keeps preaching the necessity of circumcision? These kinds of questions are always brimming below the surface in Paul’s writings. And we could easily substitute our current debatable issues that swirl around in our churches today. But Paul’s teaching to these Roman Christians is the same instruction for our context: As the body of Christ, strive for unity. Follow the example of Jesus, who legitimately accepted us, despite the gulf of difference that separates us from the divine. And allow His command to love others guide you forward as you live out the Gospel together.
I’m writing this week from Santa Rosa de Copan, Honduras. I’m here visiting some of my best friends, encouraging them in the work they’re doing for the Lord in this place. I’m also working with the local preachers to encourage them in their ministry. Yesterday, I spent some time with a young man, Juan Carlos, a preacher in one of the local villages. Juan Carlos is 24 years old, a young man well versed in Scripture and full of passion for teaching. I watched him share the story of David and Goliath to a group of 25 young children yesterday morning and the children were enrapt, eating from the palm of his hand. It would be easy to look at our differences as insurmountable barriers to communion: we don’t speak the same language; we don’t share the same ethnic or economic background; by all outward appearances, Juan Carlos and I seem to have very little in common. But I count him as my brother in Christ, a fellow laborer in the Lord’s vineyard, and this brings us a unity and a brotherhood that is great enough to trump all our differences. As you strive for unity today with your brothers and sisters, may v13 bless you and serve as your encouragement: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
May we overflow with the hope of Christ today.
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Romans 14

Posted on February 17, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Friday, Feb. 17: Romans 14

Romans 14 is central to Paul’s correspondence with these early Christians. I’m convinced this is one of the major issues Paul had in mind when he sat down to write to these believers in the first place. As with Corinth, the Christians in Rome seem to be divided over what passes for acceptable and unacceptable dining practices. But for Paul, the issue runs much deeper. For Paul, this issue is a matter of faith.

Paul understands that for the “strong” in faith, these matters aren’t nearly as important as they once were. Paul himself sides with those who no longer regard certain foods as “unclean” according to the Levitical Code (Rom. 14.14). The “weak” have chosen to eat only vegetables (v2) and they pass judgment on those whom they presume to be permissive and, thus, in error.

But Paul isn’t content to simply weigh in with his own opinion on the issue: he writes to discourage judgment and stumbling (Rom. 14.13) in light of our common place before the judgment seat of God. Quoting one of his favorite verses (Isa. 45.23), Paul reminds these feuding believers that every knee will bow and tongue swear allegiance to God; therefore, we will be held accountable for our actions. With our previous chapters in mind, we would do well to ask ourselves:
Am I fulfilling the law to love (Rom. 13.10)?
Are my actions a reflection of genuine love (Rom. 12.9)?
Am I making every effort to live peaceably (Rom. 12.18)?

This is what “living sacrifice” looks like.

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Romans 13

Posted on February 16, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Thursday, Feb. 16: Romans 13

In this chapter, Paul continues with practical application of Christian theology. Specifically, he turns his attention toward Christian engagement in the civic arena.

As difficult as it might have been for these Christians to see, Paul argues that governing authorities are “established by God” (v1); therefore, they are “God’s servants” (v6). Paul understands civic rulers to function, in a way, as God’s proxies: rebelling against these authorities is to rebel against what God has instituted, invoking judgment (v2). The question here is one of sovereignty: if God is sovereign, then He establishes the kingdoms of men for His high purposes. According to Paul, our part to play is to submit to these authorities. This submission is expressed through payment of taxes, revenue, respect, and honor (v7).

Romans 13 should serve as a caution to those of us who would seek to dishonor our governing authorities. Although we may disagree quite strongly with a particular administration’s policies and legislation, our civic duty as Christians is to follow Paul’s instruction of submission, respect, and honor. It’s interesting that Paul never makes his appeal on the basis of the moral fiber of a particular governing authority. We all know Roman emperors were a pretty unsavory lot; yet, Paul encourages Christian citizens to be just that: CHRISTIAN CITIZENS, embodying the kind of character and behavior that demonstrates Christ’s lordship over their lives.

Why is this part and parcel to Christian ethics? I think the answer is simple: because Jesus demonstrated submission throughout his life. Speaking of Jesus in his childhood, Luke says in Luke 2.51, “And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them.” Luke bookends this with the prayer of Jesus before his arrest: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22.42). And of course, Jesus also teaches the importance of rendering to Caesar that which is due him while yielding ultimate allegiance to God (Luke 20.25).

Using the economic language of v1-7 as a springboard, Paul instructs us to leave no debt outstanding, “except the continuing debt to love one another (v8).” Paul’s summation of the OT Law distills the commandments to a singular focus: love – the fulfillment of the law (v10). Since Christ is the “end” (telos: goal, aim, fulfillment) of the law (Rom. 10.4), we can make the following link: in Christ, we see the fullest expression of love. Christ’s loving relationship with the Father is manifest through His complete obedience to the Law. In turn, we take our cues from Jesus, who guides us in loving submission to the Father as well. This is why we “behave decently” (v13), refusing to “gratify the desires of the sinful nature” (v14): because this is what loving submission looks like.

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Romans 12: Living Sacrifices

Posted on February 15, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Wednesday, Feb. 15: Romans 12

With Romans 12, we reach a pivot point in Paul’s letter. After laying out the theological ramifications of the Gospel, Paul turns here toward more “practical” matters of Christian living. For Paul, ethics flows naturally from theology; behavior follows belief.

The first word of v1 is of crucial importance: “therefore”. Paul is not offering moralistic advice nor is he distinguishing between theory and practice. He links the two: one who shares the faith presented in the previous 11 chapters lives by the following imperatives: first, and foremost, they present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. Under the Old Covenant, life was perpetuated by the blood of goats and rams. Christ’s fulfillment of the Mosaic law renders this sacrificial system obsolete in light of the New Covenant — a Covenant predicated on an entirely different kind of life-giving death. Although “living sacrifice” might sound like a contradiction of terms at first, it gets at the heart of the Gospel. By identifying with Christ’s death in baptism, we experience the new life of His resurrection (Romans 6.4). Paul says our “spiritual act of worship” is to live sacrificially devoted to God.

Paul also urges us to avoid conformity with the world. The Greek word used for “world” is also translated “age”. Those who follow Jesus orient themselves to “the age to come”, believing it has already dawned in Christ. But to live “in the world but not of the world” requires constant renewing of the mind. Christians are called to take up a counter-cultural stance, following the example of Jesus in seeking out Kingdom alternatives for life.

Paul urges humility in community: “I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think…” (v3). Although each member of the body will function uniquely and differently, these gifts are to be used in humility as gifts of grace from our common God. This humility of spirit becomes a springboard for the Christian community and fosters an atmosphere of fervent, genuine love. “Let love be genuine…Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”

One way to avoid conformity with the world is to practice the teachings of Rom. 12:9-21. Instead of cursing those who would persecute you, seek to bless them. Rather than repaying evil for evil, do the honorable thing. Live in peace, insofar as it depends on you. Be hopeful; be patient; be full of zeal and resilience. These are the marks of a Christ-follower.

One final note: Paul’s admonishment to “Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep” is a powerful description of the life of the church, in my opinion. In the church, covenant love is celebrated; joy is shared over the birth of a child; and praise is given to God when a lost sinner comes home. Conversely, the church is the place we share our brokenness and pain; we weep together over a lost loved one; we hold those who have no one to hold anymore; we hold hands in the waiting room as the surgery begins. Through it all — through all the joy and all the tears — we commune together as God’s people. I truly believe God calls us to rejoice together and weep together because this quality is intrinsic to His character. He calls us to this because HE is the one who also rejoices with us; HE is the one who also weeps with us.

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Romans 11

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Tuesday, Feb. 14: Romans 11

Paul finishes his thoughts here on Israel and God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises. This block of text (ch9-11) is difficult terrain, but the topic (God’s faithfulness) is central to Paul’s theology and to the message He is communicating in Romans. In fact, Paul’s thesis that God is ALWAYS faithful to His covenantal promises provides the grist for the rest of Romans, the more “practical” matters of Christian ethics that we’ll dive into tomorrow.

Paul asks in v1 “Did God reject His people?” His answer: absolutely not! The Messiah’s entry into the world is proof of God’s faithfulness; the Messiah’s death on the cross is proof of God’s self-giving love; and the Messiah’s resurrection is proof of God’s eternal power of sin and death. In the Messiah, Paul is saying in Romans, God has demonstrated His faithfulness. So, back to the question, God hasn’t rejected His people; it’s the other way around. God’s people have rejected His effort to faithfully reconcile them, remove their sin, and redeem them. In my opinion, this seems to be Paul’s main point in this section of Scripture.

But Paul takes us deeper in this chapter, stating that Israel has experienced a “hardening (v25)” in order that the Gentiles might come to salvation. Paul sees this, too, as proof of God’s faithfulness. God never intended for His promises to remain the exclusive possession of Israel; instead, His intention for Israel was that they would be a light to the Gentiles (Isa. 49.6), teaching the world of the covenant faithfulness of the Creator God. But what happens when “the full number of the Gentiles has come in (v25)”? What about Israel? What about God’s covenant promises to them?

This section has troubled scholars for years. Paul makes the statement in v26, “And so all Israel will be saved.” How do we make sense of this? There are three prevailing opinions on what this text means:

  1. By referring to “Israel”, Paul is talking about “spiritual Israel”, the remnant God has preserved throughout history — i.e., the church. In this interpretation, the church assumes the identity of the people of God that Israel carried in the OT.
  2. By referring to “Israel”, Paul is talking about a remnant of Jewish Christians God has preserved throughout history. If this interpretation holds, then Paul is referring to this remnant as an embodiment of “true Israel”.
  3. By referring to “Israel”, Paul is talking about the yet-to-occur redemption of a large portion of Jewish people near the end of salvation history. In this interpretation, “the Deliverer (v26)” will reconcile Israel back to Himself at the time of His second coming.

Whichever interpretive path you take on v26, the ultimate point is still the same: God is faithful to keep His promises. Remember how Paul began this whole discussion in Romans 9.6: “It is not as though God’s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel.”

V22 is a balanced treatment of the character of God: “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.” God’s kindness has been lavished on these Gentiles Paul is addressing; God’s sternness, in this conversation, is directed at Israel for rejecting the covenantal faithfulness He demonstrated in His Messiah. This verse also serves as a balance to the prevailing perceptions of God as either a cosmic traffic cop (legalism) or the universe’s doting grandfather haphazardly doling out mercy and spiritual lollipops. Paul’s depiction here is consistent with the balance of Scripture: God is a covenant God who seeks communion with a covenant people. God expresses Himself in covenant love, but He also sets the terms and conditions of the covenant. He forgives, but He also commands. He redeems, but He also requires. Love and justice; grace and discipleship; mercy and obedience — these are different sides of the same covenantal coin in Scripture.

There are several other interesting verses in this chapter, but this post is already getting lengthy. I’ll leave it up to you all to discuss any other interesting verses in the comments section.

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Romans 10

Posted on February 12, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Monday, Feb. 13: Romans 10

In Romans 10, Paul continues his discussion on the state of Israel and the distinctions between law and faith. Verse 4 is a powerful summation of Paul’s argument: “Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.” The word translated “end” is “telos” in Greek. Telos means end, termination, completion, goal. The following note comes from the Key Word Study Bible (a great tool for biblical word studies, in my opinion): “In Romans 10.4, telos means either termination or goal. Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone who believes. This means that the Law as a covenantally demanded obligation has come to an end because Jesus has fulfilled its demands and imparted His righteousness to those who believe. The standards of righteousness come to us now not from the outside by imposition, but from within by the Spirit who writes the Law upon our hearts.”

We’re reminded that Jesus says He came not to abolish the Law and the Prophets, but instead to fulfill them (Matt. 5.17). Earlier in Romans, Paul pointed out that faith doesn’t nullify the law, rendering it void (Romans 3.31). But a proper understanding of law sees Christ as its ultimate conclusion. Law is not a means of works-righteousness. Righteousness is imparted only through faith in Christ.

In a masterful use of Scripture, Paul uses Deuteronomy 30 as a springboard into this discussion: “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart.” Paul interprets this ancient text in light of the proclamation of the lordship of Jesus. Confession of Christ as Lord is the key to right-standing before God — a far cry from the teachings of those Judaizing influences Paul seems to oppose in the NT. Listen to these verses again:

v9 – “…if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
v12 – “For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile – the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,”

Paul resolutely believes in the importance of sharing Jesus with others. In vv14-15, he spells out the importance of belief; which necessitates preaching; which necessitates sending teachers out into the world. Quoting Isaiah, Paul comments about the beauty of those who come bearing the Gospel message (v15).

The final part of the chapter will segue us into our discussion for Tuesday from ch11. Although Paul expresses a heartfelt desire for all Israel to be saved in the first part of chapter 10, he also says Israel is without excuse for her unbelief. He quotes the Psalmist as proof that Israel has heard the word of God. He quotes Deuteronomy, Isaiah, and Jeremiah to substantiate his claim that Israel is a disobedient, obstinate people, lacking in understanding.

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