What does 'have they stumbled that they should fall' mean in Romans 11:11?
Romans 11:11 asks whether Israel's stumbling meant they had fallen completely out of God's program. The answer is 'God forbid'—no. Their stumble was not a total, final fall; rather, through their fall, salvation came to the Gentiles, showing God's continuing purpose.
Les teaches that in Romans 11:11 Paul asks whether the nation of Israel stumbled so as to fall completely out of God's program. The answer is 'God forbid, don't think such a thing.' Their stumbling was not a total or final fall. Instead, through their fall, salvation came to the Gentiles—a wonder of wonders. Les emphasizes that no one but God would have thought of such a plan: to take a covenant people, give them promises, see them crucify their Messiah, and then send salvation to the Gentiles. This displays the depths of God's wisdom and knowledge, which are beyond human understanding.
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.
More Questions
Did Israel stumble so as to fall completely out of God's program in Romans 11:11?
Paul teaches that Israel did not stumble so as to fall completely out of God's program—Paul's answer is "God forbid," so that should not be thought.
Does Romans 11 teach that Israel has completely fallen and is out of God's plan?
Romans 11:11's question about whether Israel stumbled so as to fall means asking whether Israel is completely out of God's program, and the answer is no—Israel has not fallen permanently or totally.
What does 'through their fall' mean in Romans 11:11?
The phrase 'through their fall' in Romans 11:11 means through Israel's rejecting all these promises.
What does Romans 11:11 teach about whether Israel will be completely destroyed?
In Romans 11:11 Paul is defending the nation of Israel, showing that Israel will not be completely annihilated.