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Selected Verse: Romans 11:20 - King James
Verse |
Translation |
Text |
Ro 11:20 |
King James |
Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] |
Well--"Be it so, but remember that"
because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest--not as a Gentile, but solely
by faith--But as faith cannot live in those "whose soul is lifted up" (Hab 2:4).
Be not high-minded, but fear-- (Pro 28:14; Phi 2:12): |
Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
Well - True. It is true they were broken off; but in order to show that there was no occasion for boasting, he adds that they were not rejected in order to admit others, but because of their unbelief, and that their fate should have a salutary impression on those who had no occasion for boasting, but who might be rejected for the same cause. This is an instance of remarkable tact and delicacy in an argument, admitting the main force of the remark, but giving it a slight change in accordance with the truth, so as to parry its force, and give it a practical bearing on the very point which he wished to enforce.
Thou standest by faith - The continuance of these mercies to you depends on your fidelity. If you are faithful, they will be preserved; if, like the Jews, you become unbelieving and unfruitful, like them you will be also rejected. This fact should repress boasting, and excite to anxiety and caution.
Be not high-minded - Do not be elated in the conception of your privileges, so as to produce vain self-confidence and boasting.
But fear - This fear stands opposed to the spirit of boasting and self-confidence, against which he was exhorting them. It does not mean terror or horror, but it denotes humility, watchfulness, and solicitude to abide in the faith. Do not be haughty and high-minded against the Jew, who has been cast off, but "demean yourself as a humble believer, and one who has need to be continually on his guard, and to fear lest he may fall through unbelief, and be cast off." (Stuart.) We may here learn,
(1) That there is danger lest those who are raised to eminent privileges should become unduly exalted in their own estimation, and despise others.
(2) the tendency of faith is to promote humility and a sense of our dependence on God.
(3) the system of salvation by faith produces that solicitude, and careful guarding, and watchfulness, which is necessary to preserve us from apostasy and ruin. |
Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886] |
Well (καλῶς)
Admitting the fact. Thou art right. Compare Mar 12:32. Some take it as ironical. |
Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
They were broken off for unbelief, and thou standest by faith - Both conditionally, not absolutely: if absolutely, there might have been room to boast. By faith - The free gift of God, which therefore ought to humble thee. |
Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
Well; because of unbelief, etc. - This statement is all true; but then, consider, why is it that they were cast out? Was it not because of their unbelief? And you stand by faith: you were made partakers of these blessings by faith; be not high-minded; let this humble, not exalt you in your own estimation; for if the blessings were received by faith, consequently not by works; and if not by works, you have no merit; and what you have received is through the mere mercy of God. They once stood by faith; they gave place to unbelief, and fell: you stand now by faith; but it is as possible for you to be unfaithful as it was for them, and consequently you may fall under the Divine displeasure, as they have done; be not high-minded, but fear; watch over yourselves with godly jealousy. |
12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: