Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Romans 11:32

"For God hath shut up all unto disobedience, that he might have mercy upon all." — Romans 11:32 (ASV)

God’s purpose must be implemented if it is to be effective. His mercy is the needed factor. Paul is addressing his Gentile readers here. In fact, the “you” is emphatic, as though to remind Gentile believers (who might be prone to think it strange that God has a glorious future in store for Israel) that they themselves were formerly disobedient toward God. It was Jewish disobedience in regard to the Gospel that opened the gates of mercy for them.

Again, to warn the Gentiles against being inflated over their present position in grace, Paul reminds his readers (v.31) that it was the very mercy received by the Gentiles that made the Jews more firm in their disobedience. Yet God has not given up on his chosen people, but keeps in view his plan for their salvation and extends his mercy. The second “now” in v.31 is somewhat perplexing in the light of the eschatological emphasis in vv.26–27. It may refer to the present salvation of the remnant, or it may include the future along with the present and so anticipate the ultimate salvation of the nation. The conclusion of the whole matter is that God has magnified his mercy by the very fact of disobedience, binding all people over to it (cf. 3:9) that he might have mercy on all. So disobedience does not have the last word (cf. Galatians 3:22).