Charles Ellicott Commentary Romans 11:13

"But I speak to you that are Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I glorify my ministry;" — Romans 11:13 (ASV)

For I speak to you Gentiles (Romans 11:13)—The connecting words in this verse must be altered according to a revised reading: "For" should be omitted, a period placed after "Gentiles," and "then" inserted after "inasmuch."

The phrase "I speak to you Gentiles" is uttered with a noticeable pause. "Inasmuch then (or, insofar then) as I am the Apostle of the Gentiles, I seek to honor my office. But this is not without an ulterior motive, as my aim is, at least in part, to win over my own countrymen."

On verses 13-16:

In this, I am speaking to you Gentiles. It is you who will benefit from the restoration of the Jews. And this is the real reason why, as the Apostle of the Gentiles, I make the most of my office. I do it to provoke my own countrymen to emulation, knowing that the effects of their rejection lead us to infer the very happiest effects from their readmission. For their end will be as their beginning was. They began their career as the chosen people of God, and its conclusion will be still more glorious.