Romans 11:30-32 Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, 31 so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you. 32 For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.
These verses compare the different responses that the believing Gentiles and unbelieving Jews have given to the gospel. The Gentiles moved from disobedience to obedience through repentance and the obedience of faith. They left their old lives described in Romans 1:18-32 and put their faith in Jesus Christ who brought new life to them. Israel, however, had the ancient promises of God. They had all the promises and gifts listed in Romans 9:4-5. Yet, they rejected all of this, which pointed to Jesus Christ, in their disobedience to the call of the gospel. Paul believes that this is part of God’s plan for the Jews so that they will come to recognize God’s mercy. There is always the possibility that individual Jews will come to faith, as Paul had experienced many times in his travels. The gospel is always open to every person but it is up to each person to come to faith. The majority of Jews have rejected the gospel but Paul still has hope that they will come to see the truth that is found in Jesus (Ephesians 4:21). Verse 32 shows the universal call of God to come to believe. This verse does not mean universalism, for it is still up to each person to respond in faith. But this verse does reveal God’s gracious offer to all people. All have sinned and all receive grace, but the key factor is faith (Romans 3:23-24). The context of Romans is clear about how to interpret this verse.
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