Albert Barnes Commentary Romans 11:20

"Well; by their unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by thy faith. Be not highminded, but fear:" — Romans 11:20 (ASV)

Well. True. It is true they were broken off; but 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, who might also 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.

You stand 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 also be rejected. This fact should repress boasting and prompt anxiety and caution.

Be not highminded. Do not be elated at the thought 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 arrogant toward the Jew, who has been cast off, but "conduct 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). Here we may learn:

1. that there is a danger that those who are raised to eminent privileges might 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.