Why did God set Israel aside so Paul could go to the Gentiles?
Scripture shows no contradiction; it is a change of program. During Jesus’ earthly ministry, the Twelve were told not to go to Gentiles but to Israel. Now God has set Israel aside so the message can go to all nations, allowing Paul to write of obedience to the faith among Gentiles.
Les explains that Matthew chapter 10 shows Jesus choosing the Twelve and commanding them to avoid the Gentiles and Samaritans, going instead to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Jesus confined His own earthly ministry to Israel, with two exceptions: the Roman centurion and the Canaanite woman, whom He first ignored. Les teaches that Romans may look like a contradiction, but it is not; it is a change of program. God has now set Israel aside and is going to the Gentiles. So Paul can write of obedience to the faith among all nations, not just Israel, including those in Rome, beloved of God and called to be saints.
By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: