John Calvin Commentary Romans 11:14

"if by any means I may provoke to jealousy [them that are] my flesh, and may save some of them." — Romans 11:14 (ASV)

And save, etc. Observe here that the minister of the word is said in some way to save those whom he leads to the obedience of faith.

Indeed, the ministry of our salvation ought to be conducted so that we may feel that its whole power and efficacy depend on God, and that we may give him his due praise.

At the same time, we ought to understand that preaching is an instrument for effecting the salvation of the faithful.

And though it can do nothing without the Spirit of God, yet through his inward operation it produces the most powerful effects.