What does Paul mean that Christ came from the things Israel enjoyed, the covenants given to the patriarchs?
Paul means Christ's coming is linked to Israel's covenant privileges given to the patriarchs, yet the promise goes further back. After Adam and Eve fell, God immediately promised a Redeemer in Genesis 3:15, so Christ is the fulfillment of redemption rooted before Israel's covenants.
Les explains that Paul is referring to Christ as having come out of all that Israel enjoyed, namely the covenants given to the patriarchs. But Les emphasizes it goes much further back, all the way to Genesis 3. Right after Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit and fell under the curse, God immediately promised a Redeemer in Genesis 3:15. Thus Christ is the Christ of redemption, the promised Redeemer connected to the redemption of creation mentioned in Romans 8.
Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;
More Questions
What is Paul saying about Israel in Romans 9:4 when he mentions the promises?
Paul in Romans 9:4 is speaking not only of the covenant promises but also of the prophetic promises, meaning everything God has promised the nation of Israel is still going to happen.